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Bangladesh and Kazakhstan replaced Pakistan and Oman for the men’s Asia Cup hockey in Rajgir from Aug 29 to Sep 7. India is in Pool A with China, Japan, and Kazakhstan.
Pakistan Hockey Team (FIH Media)
Bangladesh and Kazakhstan have replaced Pakistan and Oman respectively for the men’s Asia Cup hockey tournament, which will be held here from August 29 to September 7, according to the schedule released on Tuesday.
Hosts India have been drawn into Pool A with China, Japan, and Kazakhstan, while Pool B consists of defending champions Korea, Malaysia, Chinese Taipei, and Bangladesh. The winner of the eight-team tournament will qualify for the 2026 World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Malaysia and Bangladesh will kick off the continental tournament on August 29, followed by Korea’s title defense against Chinese Taipei. India will face China in the last game of the first day, playing in front of the home crowd.
The pool stage will be followed by the Super 4s from September 3 to 6. The sequence of Super 4s matches will be confirmed after the completion of the pool stage. The final will be held on September 7, featuring the teams finishing first and second in the Super 4s. The third-place match, between the teams finishing third and fourth in the Super 4s, and the 5/6th classification games are also scheduled for September 7.
Why Is Pakistan Not Playing In The Asia Cup?
The Indian government had assured visas for Pakistani players, but the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has refused to participate, citing security concerns.
The organisers had approached Bangladesh in advance to replace Pakistan in the tournament.
Pakistan’s participation in the Asia Cup was uncertain following military confrontations with India after the Pahalgam terror attack.
India launched Operation Sindoor to dismantle terror infrastructure in Pakistan after the terrorist attack that killed 26 people.
Korea is the most successful team in the tournament, having won the title five times. India and Pakistan have each been champions three times. India’s last title win was in 2017, when they beat Malaysia 2-1 in the final in Dhaka.
In the last edition in Jakarta, India finished third. The Indian team ended in third place in the Super 4s and then defeated Japan 1-0 in the third/fourth match.
Asian Hockey Federation President Fumio Ogura said: “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. We are confident this edition will showcase thrilling competition, inspire millions of fans, and leave a lasting legacy for the sport in Asia.”
(With inputs from PTI)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha… Read More
- Location :
Rajgir, India, India
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