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New Delhi: The Men's Asia Cup Hockey 2025 has taken a dramatic turn even before the first whistle, with Bangladesh and Kazakhstan stepping in to replace Pakistan and Oman. The tournament is set to run from August 29 to September 7 in Rajgir, Bihar and carries extra weight as this edition winner will earn a direct spot in the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in Belgium and the Netherlands.
The announcement came after the Asian Hockey Federation released the official schedule on Tuesday. The event is being hosted by India, who last won the Asia Cup in 2017. They are placed in pool A alongside China, Japan and Kazakhstan. The defending champions headline pool B with Malaysia, Chinese Taipei and Bangladesh completing the line-up.
The event will get underway on August 29 with Malaysia taking on Bangladesh in the first clash. Later that day, Korea will begin their title defense against Chinese Taipei. The opening night will close with India's most-anticipated contest against China, giving the home fans their first glimpse of the side in action.
After the group stage, the top two teams from each pool will advance to the Super 4s scheduled between September 3 and 6. The final is set to be played on September 7, and the same day will see the third-place play-offs as well.
One of the biggest talking points has been Pakistan's absence despite the Indian government assuring visas. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) chose not to send its players, citing security concerns as the tensions escalated between the two nations after Pahalgam terror attack in which India lost 26 citizens. In response to the same India launched Operation Sindoor targeting terror infrastructure across the border.
The organisers, India, have already prepared for the possibility, keeping Bangladesh as a standby option to fill the spot.
Asian Hockey Federation president Fumio Ogura expressed confidence that the Rajgir tournament will deliver both on and off the pitch. “The Hero Asia Cup Rajgir Bihar 2025 will bring together the very best of Asian hockey. With World Cup qualification on the line, every match will carry enormous importance,” he said. “We are confident this edition will showcase thrilling competition, inspire millions of fans, and leave a lasting legacy for the sport in Asia.”
The stage is set for Rajgir action and with new teams stepping up, the Asia Cup promises unpredictability, passion and plenty of drama as Asia's best battle for continental supremacy and a ticket to the World Cup.
