Auckland is set to host a special international hockey series this November as New Zealand and India celebrate 100 years of sporting relations, with the Slumberzone Centenary Hockey Cup bringing the two nations together for three matches.
Presented by Slumberzone New Zealand, the tournament will feature the New Zealand Black Sticks and the Indian hockey team competing in Auckland on November 19, 21 and 22, 2026, at Lloyd Elsmore Park.
The celebrations will also include a special Kabaddi exhibition match on November 21, highlighting one of India's most popular traditional sports.
The event aims to commemorate a century of sporting connections between the two countries while strengthening cultural ties, encouraging sporting collaboration and creating opportunities for community engagement.
Sport has played an important role in bringing people and communities from both nations together over the past 100 years. Organisers hope the tournament will honour this shared legacy while building stronger partnerships for future generations of athletes.
Slumberzone New Zealand said it was proud to be associated with the milestone celebration and believed sport could help unite communities and strengthen relationships across cultures.
A spokesperson for Slumberzone New Zealand said:
“We are extremely proud to be associated with this historic sporting celebration. The 100-year relationship between New Zealand and India is a significant milestone, and we believe there is no better way to celebrate this friendship than through sport.
“Bringing the Black Sticks and Indian hockey teams together for this special three-match series, alongside a Kabaddi exhibition match, will create a wonderful opportunity for our communities to come together and celebrate our shared passion for sport.
“At Slumberzone, we believe in supporting initiatives that create a positive impact on society, encourage sporting excellence and strengthen the bonds between nations. We look forward to making the Slumberzone Centenary Hockey Cup a memorable celebration for everyone involved.”
The organisers have invited the Indian community, sporting enthusiasts, families, businesses and Auckland residents to participate in the centenary celebrations.
Alongside international hockey and Kabaddi, the event will offer an opportunity for communities from both countries to come together and celebrate their longstanding sporting friendship.
Event schedule
- November 19, 2026: First hockey match- New Zealand Black Sticks vs Indian team.
- November 21, 2026: Second hockey match- New Zealand Black Sticks vs Indian team, followed by a special Kabaddi exhibition match.
- November 22, 2026: Third hockey match- New Zealand Black Sticks vs Indian team.
Venue: Lloyd Elsmore Park, Auckland, New Zealand.
Presented by: Slumberzone New Zealand.
Tickets are available online at Hockey New Zealand's ticketing website.
Further information is available at Black Sticks New Zealand.
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