India, Pakistan in different groups in Asian Games draw

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan have been placed in separate pools for the men's hockey competition at the Asian Games 2026, ensuring their highly anticipated clash can only occur in the semi-finals or medal matches. The draw, confirmed by organizers, sets up distinct paths for the two nations in the continental showpiece.

Defending champions India headline Pool A, which includes hosts Japan, South Korea, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. Meanwhile, Pakistan leads Pool B, alongside Malaysia, China, Oman, Uzbekistan, and Thailand. This arrangement means a meeting between the two hockey powerhouses is contingent on both teams successfully advancing through the league stage.

The Asian Games hockey tournament, scheduled from September 18 to October 3 in Kakamigahara, Japan, will feature 12 teams in both men's and women's categories, divided into two pools of six. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals.

India's men's team enters the 2026 Games as the reigning gold medalists, having defeated Japan in the 2023 Hangzhou final. This victory secured their fourth Asian Games title and direct qualification for the Paris Olympics. For the 2026 edition, the men's gold medalists will earn an automatic spot in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, as the tournament serves as the continental qualifier.

The Indian women's team, which secured a bronze medal in Hangzhou, will aim to improve its performance and qualify for the Olympics after missing out on Paris 2024. While India's men have won four Asian Games hockey golds, Pakistan remains the most decorated nation with eight titles. The Indian women's team, inaugural champions in 1982, will be seeking their first Asian Games gold in 44 years.