Rajgir to Host Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025 as India Gears Up for Global Spotlight

Hockey India has officially announced that the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025 will take place in Rajgir, Bihar, from August 29 to September 7. The declaration was made on March 31 following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Hockey India and the Bihar State Sports Authority, marking a significant milestone in the state’s journey toward becoming a hub for international hockey.

This will be the second major international hockey event hosted in Rajgir, which successfully staged the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in 2024 — a tournament where hosts India emerged champions. The upcoming Asia Cup will feature eight nations battling for the title, with six teams already securing their spots: hosts India, Pakistan, Japan, Korea, China, and Malaysia. The final two entrants will qualify via the Men’s AHF Cup 2025.

The qualification tournament will feature ten teams split into two pools. Pool A includes Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Oman, Singapore, and Uzbekistan. Pool B comprises Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, with the two finalists earning berths in the Asia Cup in Rajgir.

Dr. Dilip Tirkey, President of Hockey India, expressed optimism about the tournament’s impact, stating, “Rajgir’s hosting of the Hero Asia Cup Rajgir, Bihar 2025 marks another significant step forward for Indian hockey. The stadium is of international standards, and I am confident it will provide an exciting atmosphere for players and spectators alike. With the Asia Cup serving as a qualifier for the 2026 World Cup, we anticipate high-quality matches filled with passion and skill. I thank the Government of Bihar for their continued support in promoting hockey in the region.”

The Asia Cup is not only a prestigious continental tournament but also serves as a crucial qualifier for the 2026 World Cup, heightening its stakes. With high-profile rivalries, including India vs. Pakistan and South Korea’s dominance, fans can expect electrifying action on the field.

Historically, South Korea is the most successful team in the Men’s Asia Cup, boasting five titles (1994, 1999, 2009, 2013, and 2022). Pakistan and India follow with three championships each, the most recent Indian triumph coming in 2017.

As preparations begin in earnest, Rajgir is set to embrace the international spotlight once again, celebrating the spirit of Asian hockey and India’s growing influence in the sport.