Asia Cup 2025: Rajgir set for hockey spectacle as India fight for World Cup spot

Rajgir, the ancient City of Kings, is ready to script a new chapter in hockey history.

Nestled among hills, the city’s sports complex will host the Men’s Asia Cup 2025, where eight nations will fight not just for continental supremacy, but also for a coveted berth at the 2026 Men’s World Cup.

After the roaring success of the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024, which drew packed stands and a festival-like atmosphere, the stage is now set for the men’s edition. Excitement has already hit fever pitch — tickets were snapped up in just 10 minutes before organisers made the bold call of free entry, ensuring a sea of fans is guaranteed.

India’s last shot at the World Cup

India, ranked World No. 7, are the highest-ranked side in the competition and obvious favourites. Yet, the pressure is immense. Having stumbled in the FIH Pro League earlier this year — losing seven of their eight matches — this tournament is their final chance to seal direct World Cup qualification.

Coach Craig Fulton has gone all in with a full-strength squad, but key issues remain: defensive lapses (26 goals conceded in eight Pro League games), over-dependence on captain Harmanpreet Singh for penalty corners, and unsettled goalkeeping since PR Sreejesh’s retirement.

“Our goal is clear — win the Asia Cup and secure World Cup qualification. We know it won’t be easy, but we trust our preparation and the strength of this squad,” Fulton said before the opener.

• Format and fixtures
• Pool A: India, China, Japan, Kazakhstan

Pool B: Korea (defending champions), Malaysia, Bangladesh, Chinese Taipei
Top two teams from each pool progress to the Super 4s, with the final set for September 7.

India’s Pool A matches:

• Aug 29 vs China – 3 pm IST
• Aug 31 vs Japan – 3 pm IST
• Sept 1 vs Kazakhstan – 7:30 pm IST
• Asia — a land of both dominance and danger

India’s Asian record has been formidable, with 94 goals in 14 matches across the 2023 Asian Games and 2024 Asian Champions Trophy. But history warns against overconfidence — their 2022 Asia Cup campaign ended in a shock third place.

Korea and Japan have proven tricky opponents in the past, while China — India’s first rivals — nearly toppled them in the 2024 ACT final. Malaysia, too, remain capable of springing an upset.

Captain Harmanpreet Singh underlined the challenge:

“We respect every opponent. The key is to stay disciplined, stick to our structure, and play smart hockey.”

Rajgir takes the spotlight

With thousands of fans set to pack the stands, Rajgir will once again be at the centre of Asian hockey. For India, though, the stakes go beyond fanfare — this is their last opportunity to book a place in the World Cup. In the City of Kings, only consistency, grit and brilliance on the turf will decide whether they can claim Asia’s crown.