The 2025 Men's Hockey Asia Cup is all set to begin on August 29, Friday with eight teams in India, Japan, China, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Chinese Taipei slated to be the participants. Hosts India will open their campaign against China on Friday at Rajgir, Bihar, with the city set to host all the games.
India enter the tournament as three-time world champions are arguably one of the best teams in Asia when it comes to the sport. However, their recent fortunes haven't gone as planned, notably losing the latest four-game hockey series to Australia 3-1. With Perth Hockey Stadium hosting the games, India managed only one win in the series. India were also poor in the FIH Pro Hockey League.
Speaking to Sportstar recently, coach Craig Fulton expressed optimism about the team and said:
"Over the last 18 months, we’ve been on the up. Yes, we had a bit of a [bad] phase, but it happened in the five games we played against Australia before the Olympics, and we defeated them in Paris. There is a reason we play the best teams so that we can become better."
China, meanwhile, are yet to win the Hockey Asia Cup, with South Korea holding the record for most titles with five of them.
India squad for 2025 Men's Hockey Asia Cup
Goalkeepers: Krishan Pathak, Suraj Karkera
Defenders: Sumit, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh (c), Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh
Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad
When and where to watch India's encounter against China in 2025 Men's Hockey Asia Cup?
India's match against China begins on 3:00 PM and it will be telecast on Sony Sports Network. The live streaming will take place on Sony LIV website and application.
