New Zealand and India Eye Bilateral Hockey Series for Centenary of Sporting Ties

Auckland recently hosted a significant milestone in international sport as Hockey New Zealand expressed its hope to host a bilateral series with India this November. The proposed matches aim to celebrate the centenary of sporting ties between the two nations, which began with their first international hockey encounter in 1926. According to a report by RNZ, Hockey New Zealand chief executive Michelle Hollands announced these plans as she observed the 2026 FIH Women's Nations Cup final. Speaking on the sidelines of the tournament in Auckland on Sunday, 21 June 2026, Hollands highlighted the long-standing history shared by the two countries. She noted that June 26 marks exactly 100 years since New Zealand and India first met on the hockey pitch at Lancaster Park in Christchurch. That historic 1926 tour saw the Indian Army team play 21 matches across Aotearoa, a squad that featured the legendary Dhyan Chand. Indian High Commissioner to New Zealand Muanpuii Saiawi welcomed the ongoing cooperation, noting that 2026 serves as a year of unity through sport. Beyond hockey, Saiawi indicated that cricket will also play a major role in the celebrations, with the Indian men’s team scheduled for a historic 12-match tour in October and November. The relationship between the two nations was further formalised by a sports memorandum of cooperation signed in 2025, which focuses on sports science, coaching exchanges, and joint training camps. The recent Nations Cup final saw India defeat the defending champions New Zealand 2-0. Despite the loss for the Black Sticks, Hollands praised the development of Indian hockey and the cultural vibrancy of the sport. The competition also secured India’s promotion to the Hockey Pro League and served as a qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where Indian midfielder Lalremsiami Hmarzote was named player of the match.