The Indian Women’s Hockey Team set out from Bengaluru on Saturday for Hangzhou, China, where the Women’s Asia Cup 2025 will be held from September 5 to 14.
The 20-member squad, led by captain Salima Tete, embarks on a campaign that carries not just the weight of continental glory but also the added incentive of securing qualification for the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026. For Indian hockey, the Asia Cup has historically been a tournament of significance, having produced two memorable title wins in 2004 and 2017 alongside consistent podium finishes. This year’s edition offers another chance for India to reaffirm its position as one of Asia’s dominant forces in women’s hockey.
The Road to Hangzhou
The build-up to this tournament has been a blend of promise and preparation. After finishing third in the previous edition of the Women’s Asia Cup, the Indian team has been working towards reclaiming the top step of the podium. The camp in Bengaluru over the past month saw intensive sessions under the coaching staff, focusing on fitness, penalty corner execution, and game transitions – areas where India has often found the margins that decide continental contests.
Speaking before departure, captain Salima Tete outlined the team’s vision:
“This tournament is a really good opportunity for us to secure our spot for the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup next year, and we are focusing on that. Our first priority at present is to top our Pool and reach the Super Fours. From there, we will take each game as it comes and make our way towards the trophy.”
Her words underline the dual objectives: qualification first, championship next.
Tournament Structure and Pool Composition. The Asia Cup 2025 will be contested by eight teams, divided into two pools.
- Pool A: China, Korea, Malaysia, Chinese Taipei
- Pool B: India, Japan, Thailand, Singapore
India’s campaign begins with what looks like a manageable opener against Thailand on September 5 (12:00 IST). This will be followed by the most high-profile group-stage test against Japan on September 6 (16:30 IST), before closing the pool stage against Singapore on September 8 (12:00 IST). The top two teams from each pool advance to the Super Fours, where they face the qualifiers from the opposite pool. The leading two sides after the Super Fours will contest the final on September 14.
India’s Group Stage Opponents at Asia Cup 2025
Thailand (September 5)
India will be strong favourites in their opening clash. Thailand’s women’s team has improved in grassroots participation but remains far from being a continental powerhouse. For India, this match provides an opportunity to set the tone with an assertive performance, build goal difference, and settle nerves early.
Japan (September 6)
This is expected to be the defining fixture of Pool B. Japan, traditionally one of Asia’s most organized defensive outfits, have been a difficult opponent for India in the past. Matches between the two sides have often been tight, tactical battles decided by penalty corners or defensive lapses. A victory here would not only secure progression but also boost confidence heading into the Super Fours.
Singapore (September 8)
On paper, this is the easiest outing for India, but complacency is a danger in tournaments like these. With World Cup qualification at stake, India will aim for a professional performance. The challenge will be to manage fatigue, as this game comes after the high-pressure encounter against Japan.
India’s Historical Asia Cup Journey
India’s relationship with the Women’s Asia Cup is storied.
- 2004: The breakthrough win, when India claimed their maiden Asia Cup title, marked the rise of women’s hockey in the country.
- 2017: The second title win was a watershed, establishing India as a modern force in Asian hockey.
- 2022: India finished third, a campaign that left mixed emotions – strong performances but not enough to defend their crown.
This year’s team will carry those memories as motivation, aiming to revive the gold standard.
Key Players to Watch
- Salima Tete (Captain) – Her leadership from midfield will be central to India’s transition play and defensive resilience.
- Vandana Katariya – A veteran forward, her scoring ability in high-pressure games could make the difference against teams like Japan and Korea.
- Sangita Kumari – One of the rising stars, her pace on the wings gives India unpredictability in attack.
The blend of youth and experience gives India balance, with several players carrying Tokyo Olympics and Asian Games exposure.
The Stakes: More Than Just a Trophy
The Women’s Asia Cup 2025 doubles as a qualification pathway to the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026. For India, missing out is not an option. A strong showing here will also set the tone for the next Olympic cycle, with Los Angeles 2028 on the horizon. The competition, however, will not be easy. China, buoyed by home advantage, will be favourites in Pool A, while Korea’s history of consistency makes them dangerous. Malaysia has also been improving steadily. Against this backdrop, India’s ability to handle pressure and perform in key moments will determine their campaign’s trajectory.
Broadcast and Fan Engagement
Fans back home will be able to watch the tournament live on Watch.Hockey, ensuring full coverage of India’s journey. The support will be crucial, as Indian hockey’s recent revival has been as much about fan passion as it has been about on-field performances. The sight of the players leaving from Bengaluru airport earlier today already stirred excitement on social media, with fans wishing the squad success and expressing belief in their ability to bring home the title.
The Women’s Asia Cup 2025 promises to be a defining chapter in Indian women’s hockey. The group stage provides India with a pathway to the Super Fours, but the real test will arrive against the likes of China and Korea. For Salima Tete and her team, the mission is clear: top Pool B, secure a place in the Super Fours, and ultimately clinch a title that guarantees World Cup qualification.
With momentum, balance, and history on their side, India leaves for Hangzhou not just to compete, but to win.
