2026 is shaping up to be one of the busiest and most exciting years for Indian and international sports fans alike. From world-class cricket to high-profile multi-sport events and national championships, the coming year brings a packed calendar that will keep fans engaged across disciplines. Here’s a comprehensive look at the major sports events India will be part of in 2026 — month by month and sport by sport.
Cricket: From T20 World Cup to Bilateral Series
Cricket dominates early 2026, especially with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The tournament runs from February 7 to March 8, with India opening its campaign against the USA at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Notably, India and Pakistan have been drawn in the same group, setting up a massively anticipated encounter scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.
Before the T20 World Cup, India hosts New Zealand in a busy limited-overs series from January 11 to January 31, including three ODIs and five T20Is — a clear build-up toward the global tournament.
Beyond international fixtures, the Indian Premier League (IPL) returns later in the year — typically running from late March through May — giving fans fast-paced Twenty20 action featuring the country’s top stars.
Women’s cricket also gets its spotlight with the Women’s Premier League (WPL) set to take place from January 9 to February 5, showcasing elite female talent and continuing the momentum from previous seasons.
Field Hockey & National Championships
Hockey remains another major fixture on the calendar:
- The Hockey India League runs through late December and into January 2026, offering competitive play for domestic talents.
- World Cup Qualifiers for women take place from February 28 to March 8, important for teams looking toward global rankings and tournament placements.
- The Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup is scheduled for August 14–30, with top teams competing for the title later in the year.
At the grassroots level, events like the upcoming Junior State Hockey Tournament in Lucknow highlight rising talent and competitive spirit among younger athletes.
Athletics, Table Tennis & Multi-Sport Competitions
India’s athletics calendar for 2026 includes major domestic championships and expanded competitions throughout the year, as the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) unveiled a busy competition list with numerous events for elite and youth athletes alike.
Table tennis players also get their share of international action, with events like the WTT Star Contender in Chennai and other global tour stops involving Indian participants.
Other multi-sport events influencing India’s sporting footprint include global showcases like the Commonwealth Games (July–August) and the Asian Games (August–October), where Indian athletes compete across dozens of disciplines on continental and international stages.
Chess, Badminton & Emerging Sports
2026 also offers major non-cricket tournaments where Indian athletes are expected to shine:
- Chess events like the Candidates Tournament (March-April) and the Chess Olympiad (September) are focal points for global chess competition.
- Badminton’s international schedule — including the BWF World Tour and Asian team championships — provides continuous action for Indian shuttlers throughout the year.
These events highlight India’s expanding presence beyond traditional strongholds, reflecting increasing professionalism and interest in diverse sports.
State & Grassroots Highlights
While international calendars take centre stage, domestic competitions also enrich the sporting landscape:
- The 69th National School Games in January give emerging athletes a platform in disciplines ranging from judo to taekwondo.
- Regional youth events like the Khelo MP Youth Games run through January, fostering grassroots participation in 27 different sports.
- Domestic cricket action continues with Ranji Trophy ties and other key matches through early 2026.
These events add depth to the calendar and help build the next generation of elite athletes.
Why 2026 Will Be Memorable for Indian Sports
From marquee cricket tournaments to international multi-sport competitions and vibrant national games, 2026 offers something for every sports fan. The year begins with cricket fever, peaks with global events like the Asian Games, and includes continuous activity in athletics, badminton, hockey, chess, and more. Whether you’re tracking India’s medal prospects or cheering on rising stars, the 2026 sports calendar is rich with action and excitement.
1 thought on “India Sports Calendar 2026: Major Events, Dates & Tournaments”