Hockey Asia Cup 2025 Gets Underway with Gripping Matches in Rajgir

Image Credit: Hockey India

The Hero Asia Cup 2025 commenced in style at the Hockey Stadium of the Bihar Sports University in Rajgir on Friday, producing high voltage action despite the scorching heat and humidity that tried the players all day long.

Weather Takes Its Toll:

The first day was characterized by poor weather conditions, with highs of approximately 32°C and a relative humidity above 70%. The heavy heat was especially felt towards the latter matches, as the players were clearly struggling throughout the day. The humidity increased dramatically after the first match, which was blessed with cloudy skies.

Pool B Action Delivers Contrasting Results:

Malaysia vs Bangladesh (4-1): The tournament kicked off with world No. 12 Malaysia coming back from a surprising early deficit versus 29^th ranked Bangladesh. Although Ashraful Islam's penalty corner goal gave Bangladesh a surprise 16^th minute lead, Malaysia came back through Ashran Hamsani's equalizer at halftime. The second half was all Malaysia, Akhimullah Anuar, Muhajir Abdul Rauf, and Syed Cholan completing a convincing win.

South Korea beat Chinese Taipei (7-0): Title-holders South Korea sent a strong message with an overwhelming 7-0 win over Chinese Taipei. Dain Son was the star of the show with a clinical hat trick (17', 29', 58'), while Jihun Yang added two penalty corner conversions. The five time champions' brutal display confirmed their title credentials.

Pool A Displays Attacking Vigour:

Japan v Kazakhstan (7-0): Japan equaled South Korea's scoreline, routing Kazakhstan 7-0 in a similarly commanding display. The leader was Koji Yamasaki, who scored twice, with Kosei Kawabe, Naru Kimura, Ken Nagayoshi, Shota Yamada, and Ryosuke Shinohara finishing the rout.

Both the Kazakh and Chinese Taipei goalkeepers made several essential saves during their respective games, but could not eventually stop the goal floods. Both sides were outplayed despite their efforts by more superior attacking.

India Survives Chinese Challenge:

The marquee match of the day was India outscoring China 4-3 in an engrossing match that delivered on the promise of being the game of the day. Harmanpreet Singh was the hero as he scored a penalty corner hat-trick (20', 33', 47'), although he also had the opportunity to seal the win with a penalty stroke that rattled the post.

China, led by legendary Alyson Annan, the two-time Olympic gold medallist and World Cup winner who steered the Netherlands to Tokyo 2020 gold played their tactical game plan to almost perfection. The Chinese sat deep, soaked up pressure, and pounced on counter-attacks, with Du Shihao, Chen Benhai, and Jiesheng Gao goals keeping them in the hunt all the way.

India's over reliance on penalty corners (11 opportunities, 4 converted) emphasized both their strength and tactical clearchess. The game saw a total of 17 penalty corners, with all seven goals resulting from set pieces, a reflection of both sets of players' defensive organization in open play.

Despite the narrow victory, India's performance exposed vulnerabilities that other contenders will have noted. The team's expressions at full time reflected their awareness that this was more of a fortunate escape than a convincing statement.

Tournament Implications:

The day one results have provided thrilling encounters to come. Japan and South Korea both appear strong with attacking punch, while India has a long way to go when they meet Japan on Sunday, August 31^st. The Asia Cup is direct qualification for the 2026 FIH World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands and each match matters.

With Malaysia playing South Korea in what will be Pool B's showdown match, and China hoping to rebound against Kazakhstan, the tournament has lived up to its billing as competitive hockey already, given the difficult conditions in Rajgir.