The highly anticipated Hero Men’s Asia Hockey Cup 2025 is set to begin in Rajgir, Bihar, on National Sports Day, commemorating the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. This marks the 12th edition of the Asia Cup, featuring eight leading Asian nations: India, Japan, China, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Korea, Bangladesh, and Chinese Taipei.
All participating teams have arrived in Rajgir, ready to compete in the 2025 Asia Cup. Arrangements have been made for the players’ accommodation and security in various Rajgir hotels, with the Indian hockey team residing within the sports complex.
South Korea, the defending champions, have a strong track record, having won the Asia Cup five times. India has secured the title three times, and Pakistan has also won it three times.
Hockey India has announced free entry to all matches of the Asia Cup in Rajgir, encouraging fans to attend. Fans can register for free tickets on www.ticketgenie.in or the Hockey India app to receive a virtual ticket. This initiative aims to avoid overcrowding and allow fans to enjoy world-class hockey without any cost, making the sport more accessible.
A total of 24 matches will be played, with four scheduled for the opening day. Host nation India is in Pool A with Japan, China, and Kazakhstan. India will start its campaign against China on August 29, followed by Japan on August 31 and Kazakhstan on September 1. In Pool A, Japan and Kazakhstan will also clash on the first day. Pool B includes Malaysia, Korea, Bangladesh, and Chinese Taipei. The opening match will be between Malaysia and Bangladesh, while the second match of the day will feature Korea and Chinese Taipei. A ‘Trophy Pride Journey’ has been organized across various districts of Bihar and other states to promote hockey, culminating in Rajgir on August 29.
The Hero Asia Cup 2025 is a matter of pride for Bihar. It will showcase the state’s capacity to host international sporting events and strengthen Bihar’s global image in the fields of tourism, art, and culture. The world-class hockey stadium at the Rajgir Sports Complex will further enhance the event’s grandeur. The Hero Asia Cup 2025 is a historic event for Bihar, placing the state on the global stage in sports, culture, and tourism.
Rajgir’s sports complex has brought a new identity to Bihar in the field of sports at the national and international levels. The state has successfully organized several tournaments/championships, such as the Women’s Asian Hockey Champions Trophy in November 2024 and the Khelo India Youth Games in May 2025.