Rajgir: The Japanese men’s hockey team arrived in Rajgir, Bihar, on Saturday night to take part in the Asia Cup 2025. This is the first time the tournament is being held in Bihar, and excitement is high as teams from across Asia are arriving. Japan has reached the fourth position five times in the history of the Asia Cup but has never won a medal. This year, the team is determined to change that record.
Captain Raiki Fujishima said the team’s main goal is to win the Asia Cup and book a place in the 2026 World Cup. “We are very excited to play in Rajgir. The match against India will be the toughest because they are the top-ranked side and will have home support. But we have full faith in our team and this time we want to achieve a podium finish,” he said.
Japan, ranked 18th in the world, has been placed in Pool A with India, China and Kazakhstan. Their first match will be against Kazakhstan on 29 August, followed by a key clash with India on 31 August. The final pool match will be played against China on 1 September.
Earlier on Saturday, Malaysia’s team also arrived in Rajgir. Captain Marhan Jalil said his team is well prepared but admitted that defeating India will not be easy as the hosts have strong international experience from playing in the Pro League. Both teams received a warm welcome on arrival.
With the arrival of Japan and Malaysia, the stage is now set for the Asia Cup 2025. The competition will not only test the strength of Asia’s best hockey teams but also showcase Bihar as a new centre for international sports.
