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Key Points

The Indian men's hockey team begins their Asia Cup campaign on August 29 in Rajgir. They're aiming for their fourth title in this prestigious tournament that also serves as World Cup qualification. Captain Harmanpreet Singh leads a strong squad featuring experienced players like Manpreet Singh and Hardik Singh. The team faces China, Japan, and Kazakhstan in Pool A with the final scheduled for September 7.

Key Points: India Hockey Team Begins Asia Cup Title Quest on August 29

  • India seeks fourth Asia Cup title after previous wins in 2003, 2007, 2017
  • Tournament serves as direct qualification for 2026 FIH World Cup in Netherlands/Belgium
  • Harmanpreet Singh captains experienced squad featuring Manpreet and Hardik Singh
  • India faces China, Japan, Kazakhstan in Pool A starting August 29
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India's quest for the Asia Cup Hockey title begins on August 29

India aims for fourth Asia Cup hockey title starting August 29 in Rajgir. Tournament serves as direct qualification for 2026 FIH World Cup. Captain Harmanpreet Singh leads experienced squad.

"The winners of the Asia Cup will earn a direct berth to the World Cup - Tournament Regulations"

Rajgir, August 28

The Indian Men's Hockey Team will aim for their fourth Asia Cup title as it takes on top Asian teams in the 12th edition of the Men's Asia Cup Hockey Tournament, scheduled to be held in Rajgir from August 29 to September 7.

The tournament, a quadrennial event that began in 1982, also serves as a qualification event for the 2026 FIH Men's Hockey World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium.

The winners of the Asia Cup will earn a direct berth to the World Cup, while the teams finishing from second to sixth will advance to the FIH World Cup Qualifiers, scheduled to be held in February-March 2026.

Harmanpreet Singh will captain an 18-member Indian men's hockey team in Rajgir. The experienced squad features stalwarts such as Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Mandeep Singh, and Amit Rohidas.

A total of eight teams will contest for the title and have been divided into two groups of four. After single-headed round-robin matches, the top two from each pool will qualify for the Super 4s, with the top two from that stage contesting the final on September 7.

India, who have won the Asia Cup title three times (2003, 2007, 2017) and finished as runners-up an astonishing five times, are in Pool A alongside Japan, the People's Republic of China, and Kazakhstan.

Defending champions and record five-time winners, the Republic of Korea, headline Pool B.

Asia Cup 2025 hockey: Teams and groups

Pool A: India, Japan, China, Kazakhstan

Pool B: South Korea, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Chinese Taipei

Pakistan and Oman have withdrawn from the competition, with Bangladesh and Kazakhstan named as replacements.

India will open their Asia Cup hockey campaign against China on August 29. The final will be played on September 7.

Asia Cup 2025 hockey: India schedule:

August 29, Friday: Pool A: India vs China - 3:00 PM

August 31, Sunday: Pool A: Japan vs India - 3:00 PM

September 1, Monday: Pool A: India vs Kazakhstan - 7:30 PM

September 3, Wednesday: Super 4s / classification matches - 5:00 PM onwards (subject to qualification)

September 4, Thursday: Super 4s - 5:00 PM onwards (subject to qualification)

September 6, Saturday: Super 4s - 5:00 PM onwards (subject to qualification)

September 7, Sunday: Final (subject to qualification) - 7:30 PM

Asia Cup 2025: Indian men's hockey squad:

Indian hockey team: Krishan Pathak, Suraj Karkera, Sumit, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh (captain), Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Mandeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh

Reserves: Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Selvam Karthi.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting that Pakistan withdrew from the tournament. Their absence definitely changes the dynamics. South Korea will be our biggest challenge - they've won this 5 times already. Hope our team is prepared for that pressure!
M
Michael C
The direct World Cup qualification makes this tournament even more crucial. No room for complacency even in the group stage matches. Hope the team maintains consistency throughout the tournament.
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Ananya R
So proud to see our hockey team getting stronger! The mix of experienced players and young talent looks balanced. Special shoutout to our defenders - that backline looks solid! 💪
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Vikram M
The timing of matches is perfect for Indian viewers! Evening matches mean we can all watch after work/school. Will be cheering for our boys from home. Hope Star Sports covers all matches properly.
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Sarah B
While I'm excited about our chances, I hope the team doesn't take the group stage lightly. China and Japan can be tricky opponents on their day. Need to start strong and maintain momentum throughout.
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Karthik V
Our record of 5 runner-up finishes shows we've been consistently good but sometimes falter at the final hurdle. This time, with our current form and team composition, we should cross that

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