Asia Cup Hockey 2025: India’s New Challenge After Pakistan & Oman Exit

With ten days remaining until the start of the tournament at the Rajgir Sports Complex, the Asian Hockey Federation has officially released the schedule for the Asia Cup 2025.

India have been placed in Pool A alongside China, Japan, and Kazakhstan. Pool B features Malaysia, Korea, Bangladesh, and Chinese Taipei. Bangladesh stepped in after Pakistan’s withdrawal, while Kazakhstan replaced Oman as the second reserve team.

The Indian team will open its campaign against China on August 29, followed by matches against Japan on August 31 and Kazakhstan on September 1. The format remains a double round-robin in the pool stage, with the top two progressing to the Super 4s. From there, the top two sides will qualify for the final.

The winner of the Asia Cup 2025 will secure a direct spot in the 2026 Hockey World Cup, adding enormous weight to every result. For India, the updated draw means tricky encounters against Asian heavyweights Japan and China, while Kazakhstan’s inclusion offers a fresh test.

The Rajgir Sports Complex, a new addition to India’s sporting landscape, is set to host the entire tournament from August 29 to September 7. Interestingly, Oman had originally been scheduled to play practice matches against India’s junior team in Rajgir before pulling out.

The stage is set, the pools have shifted, and the countdown has begun. The next ten days will be about preparation, adaptation, and focus as India aim to stamp their authority and book a ticket to the World Cup.