Asia Cup: Pakistan replaced by Bangladesh, India to open against China
Posted on: Aug 19, 2025 20:04 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
young new delhi: The asiatic Hockey Federation (AHF) confirmed on tues that islamic republic of pakistan will not be participating at the Asia Cup and will be replaced by Bangladesh as they announced the schedule for the August 29-September 7 competition to be held in Rajgir, Bihar.
Speculation had been rife about Pakistan’s withdrawal ever since the border skirmish with India in May which followed the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 that resulted in the deaths of 26 people.
“It was always unlikely. But now it is confirmed that Pakistan won’t be travelling to India due to security concerns,” a Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) official told HT on condition of anonymity.
Indian officials and authorities had always maintained that should Pakistan decide to come, their players will be given visas. In Pakistan’s absence, Bangladesh will be travelling for the eight-team tournament. In a surprise move, Oman have also pulled out, leading AHF to invite Kazakhstan.
Hosts India have been grouped with Japan, China and Kazakhstan in Pool A while Pool B comprises Malaysia, defending champions South Korea and Chinese Taipei. India will open their campaign against China (August 29) before taking on Japan (August 31) and Kazakhstan (September 1).
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super 4s which will be held from September 3-6 before the top two take on each other in the final on September 7. The winner will get a direct berth for the 2026 World Cup to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium.
While world No.7 India qualified as hosts, four teams – No.12 Malaysia, No.13 South Korea, No.18 Japan and No.23 China – will play in Rajgir based on their rankings. Chinese Taipei, Bangladesh and Kazakhstan qualified via the AHF Cup.
“The Hero Asia Cup Rajgir Bihar 2025 will bring together the very best of Asian hockey. With World Cup qualification on the line, every match will carry enormous importance. We are confident this edition will showcase thrilling competition, inspire millions of fans, and leave a lasting legacy for the sport in Asia,” AHF president Fumio Ogura said.
South Korea is the most successful team with five Asia Cup titles while India and Pakistan have won three each.
This will be the second international hockey tournament to be held in Rajgir after the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in November 2024 which the hosts won.
The Harmanpreet Singh-led Indian men’s hockey team is currently preparing for the Asia Cup in Perth, playing four friendly matches against hosts Australia. The Asia Cup will be a big test for the Craig Fulton-coached side who finished a lowly eighth, just about avoiding relegation, in the elite nine-team Pro League.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.