Rajgir: The Hero Men’s Asia Cup 2025 begins today in Bihar’s Rajgir, with Malaysia defeating Bangladesh 4-1 in the opening match of the tournament. India’s team is scheduled to face China at 3pm.
The tournament, held at the newly built hockey stadium in Rajgir’s Sports Complex, has drawn significant attention as Bihar hosts the Asia Cup for the first time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the state for its efforts in developing sporting infrastructure, citing Bihar’s recent hosting of the Khelo India Youth Games 2025, the Asia Rugby U20 Seven Championship 2025, and the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024.
Security concerns briefly emerged when an on-duty inspector fell unconscious outside the stadium. Colleagues rushed him to hospital, though officials have not yet disclosed his condition.
Eight teams are competing in the 10-day event, divided into two pools. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is scheduled to inaugurate the tournament at 2:45pm on Friday. The winner of the Asia Cup will secure direct qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands in 2026.
Indian team optimistic ahead of first match
Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh said it felt “great to be back in Bihar,” reflecting on the state’s growing reputation as a host for major hockey events. He described the tournament as “the last chance to qualify for the World Cup” and emphasised the importance of mental preparation. Special sessions with mental coach Paddy have been organised to help the team manage counter-attacks and pressure situations.
Head coach Craig Fulton outlined India’s preparations, including a two-week training camp in Perth, Australia, and practice matches against the Australian Kukuburas and Malaysia. Fulton said the team will focus on one match at a time under the tournament’s new ‘Super Force’ format, which may require teams to face the same opponent up to three times.
Tribute to a legend
The Asia Cup mascot, named Chand in honour of hockey wizard Major Dhyan Chand, has been designed as a tiger to symbolise courage, energy, and skill. The mascot features a Padma Bhushan medal, recognising Chand’s extraordinary contribution to Indian hockey.
Tickets for the tournament sold out within five minutes of going live on the Genie app, with day passes allowing spectators to attend all matches from 9am to 5pm. Organisers have made arrangements for food courts, water points, toilets, fan parks, and seven dedicated parking areas to accommodate visitors. A temporary 25-bed hospital has been established inside the sports complex, alongside reserved beds in two major district hospitals, to ensure player and spectator safety.
Asia Cup history and records
This marks the 12th edition of the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup and the third time India has hosted the tournament, following New Delhi in 1989 and Chennai in 2007. South Korea leads historically with five titles, while India and Pakistan have each won three times.
