Hero Men's Asia Hockey Cup 2025 Kicks Off in Rajgir, Bihar

Exciting Start to the Asia Hockey Cup

Patna, Aug 28: The anticipation is over as the Hero Men’s Asia Hockey Cup 2025 is set to commence tomorrow in Rajgir, Bihar, coinciding with National Sports Day, which celebrates the birth anniversary of hockey icon Major Dhyan Chand.

This marks the 12th edition of the Asia Hockey Cup, featuring eight elite teams from Asia: India, Japan, China, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Korea, Bangladesh, and Chinese Taipei. All participating teams have arrived in Rajgir, where they will compete for the prestigious title. Comprehensive arrangements for accommodation and security have been established for the players, with the Indian team residing at the sports complex.

Matches will take place at the International Sports Complex in Rajgir, starting on August 29 and concluding on September 7, 2025.

This tournament is particularly significant as it serves as a qualifier for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, adding extra intensity to each match.

Defending Champions and Historical Context Korea's Dominance in the Asia Cup

According to Raveendran Sankaran, Director General-cum-CEO of the Bihar State Sports Authority, this is the first time the Men’s Asia Hockey Cup is being hosted in Rajgir. South Korea, the defending champion, has claimed the title five times in previous editions (1994, 1999, 2009, 2013, and 2022). India has won the tournament three times (2003, 2007, and 2017), while Pakistan has secured victories thrice (1982, 1985, and 1989).

Free Entry for Fans Access to Matches at No Cost

To encourage attendance, Hockey India has announced that all matches will be free to attend. Fans can secure their tickets by visiting www.ticketgenie.in or through the Hockey India app, where they will receive a virtual ticket upon registration. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility and allow fans to experience top-tier hockey without any financial burden.

Match Schedule and Pool Details Match Format and Initial Games

India is placed in Pool A with Japan, China, and Kazakhstan. Their first match is against China on August 29, followed by a game against Japan on August 31, and concluding with Kazakhstan on September 1. The opening day will also feature a match between Japan and Kazakhstan.

Pool B consists of Malaysia, Korea, Bangladesh, and Chinese Taipei, with the first match between Malaysia and Bangladesh, followed by Korea facing Chinese Taipei.

To promote hockey, a “Trophy Gaurav Yatra” has been organized, traveling through various districts in Bihar and other states, culminating in Rajgir on August 29.

A total of 24 matches will be played, leading up to the final on September 7, 2025.

Significance of Hosting the Event Bihar's Pride in Hosting the Asia Cup

Raveendran Sankaran emphasized that hosting the Hero Asia Cup 2025 is a significant achievement for Bihar, showcasing the state's capability to host international sporting events and enhancing its global image in tourism, culture, and sports.

The state-of-the-art hockey stadium at the Rajgir Sports Complex is expected to elevate the event's grandeur, marking a historic moment for Bihar on the international sports stage.

Bihar's Sporting Legacy Previous Major Events in Bihar

The Rajgir Sports Complex has established Bihar's reputation in sports, having successfully hosted various tournaments, including the Women’s Asian Hockey Champions Trophy in November 2024 and the Khelo India Youth Games in May 2025 across five cities, including Rajgir. Additionally, the Sepak Takraw World Cup 2025 took place at the Patliputra Sports Complex in Patna.