The stage is set in Rajgir, Bihar, as the Indian Men’s Hockey Team prepares to open its campaign at the Hero Men’s Asia Cup 2025 on 29th August against China.
With the tournament running until 7th September, and a direct qualification spot for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup on offer, the stakes could not be higher. India last lifted the Asia Cup trophy in 2017 and will be eager to reclaim continental supremacy on home soil. The competition has a rich history, South Korea, the defending champions, are the most successful side with five titles, while India follow closely with three. In the previous edition, India finished third after their semi-final against South Korea ended in a draw, with the Koreans progressing on superior goal difference.
India’s Group and Fixtures
Drawn in Pool A, India face a tricky group stage. After their opening match against China (29th August), they take on Japan (31st August) before concluding against Kazakhstan (1st September).
- Pool A: India, China, Japan, Kazakhstan
- Pool B: South Korea, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Indonesia
The top two teams from each pool will advance to the Super 4s, where the fight for consistency will begin. The eventual winner will not only claim the trophy but also book a direct ticket to the World Cup.
Spotlight on India vs China
Tomorrow’s clash carries its own weight. Historically, India have enjoyed dominance over China at the Asia Cup.
- India vs China at the Asia Cup: Played 6 | India Wins 5 | Draws 1 | China Wins 0
- Goals: India 16 – 3 China
The only blemish in India’s history came back in 2009, when China’s victory contributed to India missing the semi-finals for the first time in tournament history. That memory will linger, serving as both a warning and motivation as the two sides renew their rivalry. China’s overall Asia Cup record underscores their competitiveness: 47 matches played, 20 wins, 8 draws, 19 losses, with a goal difference of 123-113. While not traditional heavyweights, they have proven to be a side capable of upsetting higher-ranked opponents.
India’s Recent Form and Preparations
India enter the competition after a mixed run in the FIH Hockey Pro League European leg, but as the highest-ranked Asian side (World No. 7) and playing in front of home fans, they remain one of the tournament favourites.
Head Coach Craig Fulton expressed confidence in the team’s build-up:
“Our preparation has been thorough. The camp in Perth gave us the right intensity, with tough training sessions and competitive matches that sharpened both our physical and tactical readiness. The group is training and playing with real purpose and we feel ready for the challenge ahead.”
Fulton left no doubt about the target:
“Our expectation is very clear to win the Asia Cup and secure qualification for the World Cup. We know it will be a tough competition with quality opposition, but if we play to our standards and execute consistently, we can achieve what we set out to do.”
Captain Harmanpreet Singh echoed his coach’s optimism, pointing to the team’s mindset:
“Any opponent we play, we view them as strong. Our mindset is to play smartly, maintain our structure, and give our best. That’s the energy in the dressing room and our plan going forward.”
What’s at Stake
Beyond the trophy, the World Cup berth has raised the intensity of the 2025 Asia Cup. For India, South Korea, and Japan, the pressure will be immense. But for teams like China and Malaysia, the tournament is a golden opportunity to disrupt the traditional order and establish themselves as rising forces in Asian hockey.
Fans in India can follow the action live on the Sony Sports Network, while global audiences in the USA, UK, Netherlands, Europe, and North America can stream matches on Watch.Hockey. As the Hero Men’s Asia Cup 2025 gets underway, India will aim to start strong against China, extend their historical dominance, and set the tone for the campaign. Backed by home support and driven by the hunger to reclaim continental glory, the men in blue are preparing not just for victory but for a statement that reaffirms their place at the top of Asian hockey.
