1st April 2025: Rajgir, a historic city in Bihar, has been selected to host the 2025 Men’s Asia Cup, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Hockey India and the Bihar State Sports Authority. The tournament is scheduled to take place from August 29 to September 9 at the newly constructed Rajgir Hockey Stadium, further solidifying Bihar’s position as a growing hub for international sports.
This marks Rajgir’s second major international sporting event, after successfully hosting the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in November 2024, where India claimed victory. The 2025 Men’s Asia Cup will serve as a qualifying event for the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, with the winner securing a coveted spot in the prestigious tournament, to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands.
The competition will feature eight teams, including India, Pakistan, Japan, South Korea, China, and Malaysia, with two additional teams advancing from the AHF Cup qualifiers. South Korea is the most successful team in Asia Cup history, with five titles, followed by India and Pakistan, who each have three.
Dilip Tirkey, President of Hockey India, expressed enthusiasm about Rajgir’s role in hosting this high-profile tournament, emphasizing its importance in advancing Indian hockey and anticipating thrilling, skillful matches.