Published: March 15, 2026 at 10:31 pm
The FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup Qualifiers, hosted at the Gachibowli Hockey Stadium in Hyderabad, concluded successfully, captivating the sports world. Organized with immense prestige under the aegis of the Sports Authority of Telangana State (SATS), the tournament went beyond the realm of sports alone; it showcased to the world Telangana’s hospitality, organizational prowess, and the state government’s unwavering commitment to sports.
England score a resounding 2-0 win over India in final of FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers
Chief minister Revanth Reddy attended the inaugural ceremony held on March 8 as the chief guest and formally inaugurated the tournament with great fanfare. The stadium was packed to capacity with athletes, officials, and spectators arriving from various nations, creating a festive atmosphere. The opening ceremonies stood out as a remarkable occasion that beautifully blended the rich culture of Telangana with the spirit of sporting enthusiasm.
Competing for World Cup Qualification
The tournament held immense significance within the global hockey calendar. These matches were conducted to determine the teams that would qualify for the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup, scheduled to take place in the Netherlands and Belgium from August 14 to 30.
England won the final of the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup Qualifiers on Saturday. Hosts India finished second while Scotland took the bronze
Participating teams in this tournament included India, Austria, England, Italy, Korea, Scotland, Uruguay, and Wales. Every match unfolded with nail-biting intensity, keeping the spectators thoroughly enthralled. Players from various nations across the globe showcased their talent, truly embodying the spirit of sportsmanship.
Arrangements according to international standards
SATS worked with meticulous care to organize these competitions. In adherence to international standards, a modern AstroTurf surface was laid at the Gachibowli Hockey Stadium. The stadium’s surroundings were developed to be conducive to international matches, and every necessary amenity was made available to ensure an optimal viewing experience for the spectators.
Special arrangements were put in place regarding security, accommodation, transportation, and medical services to ensure that the visiting foreign teams faced absolutely no inconveniences. A dedicated liaison officer was appointed for each team to coordinate and address their specific needs. Working in close collaboration with representatives from Hockey India, officials meticulously oversaw every aspect of the event, ensuring its resounding success.
The coordination established between officials of the SATS, led by its MD Dr Soni Baladevi, representatives from Hockey India, and the International Hockey Federation (FIH) proved pivotal to the successful organization of these competitions
The athletes, technical experts, and officials who visited Hyderabad showered praise upon the hospitality extended by Telangana. They remarked that the warmth of the city’s residents and the unwavering commitment demonstrated in the organization of the event brought them immense joy.
Enthusiastic participation from state leadership
The state government extended its wholehearted support to these competitions. Deputy chief minister Bhatti Vikramarka graced the closing ceremony as the chief guest. Sports minister Vakiti Srihari, along with ministers Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Seethakka, and Ponnam Prabhakar — as well as former Indian cricketer and minister Mohammed Azharuddin — attended the event and encouraged the players.
Additionally, a large number of senior state government officials were present to witness the competitions. Among those in attendance were principal secretaries Jayesh Ranjan and Sabyasachi Ghosh; principal secretary of finance Sandeep Kumar Sultania; Singareni Collieries CMD Jyoti Buddha Prakash; DGP Shivadhar Reddy; commissioner of information Priyanka; TGSPDCL CMD Jitesh V Patil; Singareni Collieries personnel officer Bhargav Patro; Cyberabad police commissioner Ramesh Reddy; and Municipal commissioner Srujana, among others.
Deputy chief minister Bhatti Vikramarka graced the closing ceremony as the chief guest. Sports minister Vakiti Srihari, along with ministers Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Seethakka, and Ponnam Prabhakar — as well as former Indian cricketer and minister Mohammed Azharuddin — attended the event and encouraged the players
Patronage from sports lluminaries
Several renowned athletes attended these competitions as guests of honor. Triple Olympian and Padma Shri awardee Mukesh Kumar participated in the event and offered encouragement to the young athletes.
Prominent sports figures, including female athletes from Telangana such as Nidhi Kullar and Endala Soundarya; Arjuna Award recipients Esha Singh and Deepti Jeevanji; and athlete Satti Geetha, were present at the competitions. Furthermore, numerous former hockey players from both Telugu states visited the stadium to watch the matches.
A stadium buzzing with spectators
The response from the audience to these competitions was truly remarkable. Thanks to the extensive promotional campaign undertaken by the SATS, a large number of young people flocked to the stadium. The massive sale of tickets for the hockey matches served as a clear testament to the immense popularity of the sport.
The massive sale of tickets for the hockey matches served as a clear testament to the immense popularity of the sport
Through an online ticketing system, spectators were able to easily purchase tickets and enjoy watching the matches. The laser shows and musical performances organized during the intervals between matches thoroughly entertained the audience. Consequently, the entire stadium transformed into a vibrant sports festival.
New milestone for Telangana’s sports
The coordination established between officials of the SATS, led by its MD Dr Soni Baladevi, representatives from Hockey India, and the International Hockey Federation (FIH) proved pivotal to the successful organization of these competitions.
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By hosting these competitions in accordance with international standards, the state of Telangana has once again demonstrated its capabilities within the sports arena. Sports analysts opine that there are strong prospects for Hyderabad to emerge as a hub for hosting even more international sports competitions in the future.
The Women’s Hockey World Qualifying competitions held in Gachibowli have etched a distinct chapter in the history of sports in Telangana. Through these events, the world has gained insight into the high priority the state accords to the development of sports.
