Nagoya Target 2026, Men’s Hockey Finalist, Women Qualify

Viralterkini.id, Jakarta – The Indonesian Men’s and Women’s Field Hockey National Teams are setting high targets for the 2026 Asian Games Qualification. The men’s team is aiming for a finalist position, while the women’s team is targeting a ticket to qualify for the 2026 Nagoya Asian Games.

This optimism emerged after historic achievements at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games. For the first time, the Indonesian field hockey team succeeded in qualifying through the qualifying round.

The men’s team won a bronze medal in the qualifications held in Jakarta, while the women’s team finished fifth and secured a ticket to appear at Asia’s biggest sporting event.

Now, a new challenge awaits. The 2026 Asian Games qualification for the men’s team will take place in Oman from March 25 to April 5 2026.

Meanwhile, the women’s team will appear in front of the public in the qualifications to be held in Jakarta on April 20-30 2026.

The captain of the Indonesian Men’s National Field Hockey Team, Aulia Akbar Al Ardh, emphasized that the target this time was not just to qualify.

“The Indonesian Men’s Field Hockey National Team has made history by winning a bronze medal in the qualifying round for the 2022 Asian Games. Now, our target is not only to qualify for the 2026 Nagoya Asian Games, but also to become finalists in the qualifications later,” said Akbar when contacted, Sunday (1/3/2026).

To be able to appear at Nagoya 2026, the men’s team must at least finish in the top six of the final qualifying standings. Meanwhile, the women’s team must reach the top four to secure tickets.

The captain of the Indonesian Women’s National Field Hockey Team, Nisa Indira, who will also appear in Hangzhou 2022, expressed her belief that the women’s team will be able to repeat the success of four years ago.

“I hope that the Women’s National Field Hockey Team can again meet its target and qualify for the 2026 Nagoya Asian Games,” said Nisa.

In the qualifying round in Oman, Indonesia was joined in Group A along with Oman, Hong Kong, Thailand and Kazakhstan. Group B consists of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Chinese Taipei and Uzbekistan.

Competition is sure to be fierce considering that each country is targeting the best position to win tickets to Nagoya. Experience in the previous edition is an important asset for the Red and White squad to face the pressure of international matches.

Facing the 2026 Asian Games Qualifications, the men’s and women’s teams have undergone a national training camp (pelatnas) for two months at the Eden Sport Center, Depok, West Java. The national training program is focused on improving physical, technical, tactical and mental strengthening in competition.

“At national training, we have strengthened our physical, technical, tactical and mental aspects. This series of trials is to strengthen teamwork and see weaknesses before appearing in the qualifiers,” stressed Akbar.

The series of international trials starts from Malaysia on March 1 2026. After that, the men’s and women’s teams will take part in The 14th Hong Kong Quadrangular Hockey Tournament and The 9th Women’s Hockey Invitational Tournament in Hong Kong on March 6-8 2026.

The tournament is an opportunity to measure the team’s readiness as well as hone their game cohesion against opponents with different characters.

Specifically for the men’s team, the agenda continues to China to take part in the “Belt and Road” Mass Sports Series & Hangzhou Gungshu International Hockey Invitational Tournament on March 9-25 2026.

This tournament is considered strategic because it brings Indonesia together with strong Asian teams who have a fast and disciplined playing style.

Participation in various international tournaments is expected to improve the details of the game, from attack effectiveness, back line resilience, to final finishing.

Apart from that, international flying time is also important to increase the confidence of the young players who are now part of the squad.

The target of appearing at the 2026 Nagoya Asian Games is not just a short-term ambition, but part of the long-term development roadmap for Indonesian hockey.

The consistency of achievement at the Asian level is an indicator of the success of the coaching program that has been implemented so far.

With valuable experience in Hangzhou 2022 and thorough preparation through national training and international trials, the Indonesian Men’s and Women’s National Field Hockey Teams are optimistic that they will be able to compete.

The men’s team is aiming for the qualifying final as a symbol of improving their performance, while the women’s team is determined to secure a ticket to Nagoya.

Now, public hopes are focused on the Red and White squad’s struggle in the 2026 Asian Games Qualifications. If the target is achieved, Indonesia will not only repeat history, but also confirm its existence as a new Asian field hockey power. (ag/ma)