Indonesia’s hockey team is preparing for one of its biggest challenges at the 2026 Asian Games, but its players are drawing inspiration from an unlikely source — Bollywood. Some of the Indonesian hockey players are motivated by the 2007 Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Chak De! India as they prepare to meet India in their first men’s hockey match.
The story was reported on September 17, 2026, just days before the two teams are scheduled to meet in Japan.
Chak De! India Inspires Indonesian Players.
For Indonesian midfielder Ferdian Fathur Rahman, Chak De! India is more than just a popular sports movie for him. The film’s story of an underdog team overcoming differences and pressure has left a lasting impression on him.
Rahman has watched Shah Rukh Khan's movie many times and retains the motivational moments in his mind. Another Indonesian player, Firdaus Muhammad, is also familiar with the movie, and it has been reported that several members of the Indonesian team have watched it.
Kabir Khan, played by Shah Rukh Khan, leads a divided Indian women’s hockey team and guides them to success in the film. The movie has resonated with Indonesia’s young hockey players who see that togetherness, unity, and determination are central principles of teamwork.
A Tough Test Against India.
India will be Indonesia’s biggest challenge in the Asian Games. Hockey India’s official schedule indicates that the men’s Pool A match will be played on Sunday, September 20, at 11:30 AM IST in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
India will go into the tournament as the defending champions after winning gold at the Hangzhou Asian Games. Harmanpreet Singh is the captain while coach Craig Fulton has stressed that the team must develop from the team’s recent World Cup experience.
The Asian Games gold medal is also important because it provides direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Ramadhan’s Dream Comes True
Ahdan Asasi Ramadhan, another Indonesian player, has a particularly good connection with Indian hockey. He was a ball boy at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and remembers watching India’s players from close range.
Eight years later, Ramadhan is preparing to play against the players he once watched and documented. He has talked about following Indian hockey and admiring players like Hardik Singh.
For Indonesia, the match is more than just a tough match. It’s an opportunity for its players to compete against one of Asia’s best hockey teams and learn from the experience and demonstrate their own growth.
