When you go to Rajgir, it is impossible to attract the beauty of this ancient city. The place, surrounded by hills, really lives until its literal meaning – the city of the kings.
Now Rajgir’s sports complex will reopen its door to crowned the new king in hockey when eight teams are fighting. After the great success of the female Asian masters of Trophy in 2024, who saw that thousands of fans interfere with a place to see some of the best sports stars, Referlight will now move to men.
This time the Male Asia Cup will see hosts of India in China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Chinese Taipei and Kazakhstan for the title. The excitement in Rajgir is on the pitch fever, tickets were sold just 10 minutes after the gates were opened. In fact, the organizers decided to offer free entry and fans responded with full force and showed their love for sport.
But as far as the tournament itself is concerned, it is not just a praise of rights as hockey kings in Asia. Win the Asian Cup and instead of the Men’s World Championship 2026 will be sealed.
India, which was rated No. 7 in the FIH ranking and the highest of the eight participants, are considered popular. Harmanpreet Singh and Co. However, they know too well that no party can be easily taken in the continental tournament.
India is grouped together with China, Japan and Kazakhstan in the pool and while defending Korea champions, Chinese Tai -Piej, Malaysia and Bangladesh, which consists of pool B. The largest two teams from each pool will advance to the Super 4S phase.
Asia Cup 2025: Indian Fund
* vs. China (August 29, 15:00 is)
* vs. Japan (August 31, 15:00 is)
* vs. Kazakhstan (September 1, 19:30 is)
Asia Cup: The Last Chance of India to get to the World Championship
After the heights of 2024, when India won her second consecutive Olympic bronze medal, the team was handed over in the current season control of reality. Their first chances of booking a ticket for the World Championship came in for League, but things disintegrated on the side of Craig Fulton.
India returned with seven losses in eight matchesMost of them just a one -off margin. This leaves the Asian Cup as its last chance of automatic World Cup qualification. Maybe that’s why coach Fulton decided for a strong group, but the shortcomings exposed to League will need to be resolved quickly.
The defense admitted 26 goals in these eight games in Europe, while the transformation from the criminal corner was again only on Captain HarmanPreet. The goal of the goalie also continues to fight from retirement PR Sreejesha, while Krishan Pathak was vulnerable to the air balls and Suraj Karker, who joined under pressure. Fulton wants his party to show consistency during Asia Cup (courtesy: hockey indie)
Fulton was clear about his expectations:
“Our expectations are very clear to win the Asian Cup and safe qualifications for the World Championship. This is our main goal. We know it will be a hard competition with a quality opposition, but we believe in the work we have done and in the strength of this team.
Indian preparation included a test series against Australia in Perth and hopes that these hard lessons will help their campaign in Rajgir.
Strong Asian Record in India
While the preparations were solid, India also takes the heart of their recent dominance in Asian competitions. In the Asian Games 2023 and Asian champions Trophy 2024, they counted 94 goals in 14 matches.
However, history is a reminder that satisfaction can be costly. The third place in Asia Cup 2022 showed how quickly the form can dive at the decisive moments.
Even their opponents cannot be underestimated. Korea and Japan injured India in the 2022 edition despite their total strong record against them. Even China, Indian opponents for opening, showed constant improvement. The party that thrives on counterattacks pushed the Fulton team hard in the final of the Asian trophy of Asian champions 2024. Harmanpreet will again transfer the responsibility of the PC (with kind permission: hockey indie)
Malaysia also remains surprised on the day. No wonder Harmanpreet hit a cautious remark before the tournament started.
“Every opponent we play is considered a strong team and I believe that all teams involved are good. Our thinking is to ensure that we play cleverly, keep our structure and do our best. This is energy in the dressing room and that is our plan,” Indian captain.
When the curtain rises to the Asian Cup, all eyes turn to Rajgir. Fans will bring noise and passion, but for HarmanPreet and his man is a real challenge on the lawn. Their last chance of qualifying the World Cup is stake and only hard work and intelligent hockey will ensure that it does not slip.
– ends
Published on:
29. August 2025
