Southeast Asian Games 2025/26

Field hockey at the Southeast Asian Games is a medal sport organized by the Southeast Asian Games Federation under the Olympic Council of Asia. Introduced to the tournament, then known as the Southeast Asian Peninsular Games, in 1971, the event was absent from the inaugural 1959 games. The competition features separate men’s and women’s contests, with participation determined by invitation from member nations rather than a promotion or relegation system.

While the number of teams fluctuates based on host capacity, recent editions have seen between four and five nations competing per gender. Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand are regular participants. The format typically employs a single round-robin group stage followed by medal matches for gold and bronze. In 2025, the Bangkok hosts also introduced Hockey5s as a new event. The sport was absent from the 2019 and 2021 editions before returning in 2023.

Malaysia stands as the most successful nation in the history of the tournament, particularly dominating the men’s event with numerous gold medals. Thailand has maintained a dominant presence in the women’s tournament over recent decades. Following the 2025 SEA Games, Malaysia held the defending champion title in both the men’s and women’s field hockey disciplines, having defeated Thailand in both finals. These results highlight the competitive balance within the region, where success often shifts between these two traditional powerhouses depending on the gender category.

The event operates under the auspices of the International Hockey Federation and the Asian Hockey Federation, ensuring standards align with international play. Unlike domestic leagues, this regional showcase does not feature a continuous season structure but relies on periodic gatherings defined by the host nation’s capabilities and regional interest levels.