Bangladesh Replaces Pakistan in Asia Cup, India Set for Opener against China

The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) has announced that Pakistan will not be participating in the Asia Cup, and will be replaced by Bangladesh. The tournament will take place from August 29 to September 7 in Rajgir, Bihar. Rumors had been circulating about Pakistan’s withdrawal following the border clash with India in May and the Pahalgam terror attack in April that resulted in 26 fatalities.

A Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) official, who preferred to remain anonymous, revealed that the decision was taken due to security concerns. Even though Indian officials had assured that Pakistani players will be given visas, Bangladesh will now be part of the eight-team tournament instead. Kazakhstan has also been invited after a surprise pull-out from Oman.

For the competition, hosts India have been grouped with Japan, China and Kazakhstan in Pool A, while Malaysia, defending champions South Korea, and Chinese Taipei form Pool B. India’s campaign will kick off with a match against China on August 29, followed by games with Japan and Kazakhstan.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super 4s, which will take place from September 3-6. The top two teams from this round will then compete in the final on September 7. The winning team will secure a direct berth for the 2026 World Cup, to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Other teams participating in the Rajgir tournament due to their rankings include Malaysia, South Korea, Japan and China. Chinese Taipei, Bangladesh and Kazakhstan were able to participate through the AHF Cup.

South Korea currently holds the most Asia Cup titles having won five, whereas India and Pakistan each have three victories. This is the second international hockey tournament to be hosted in Rajgir, the former being the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in November 2024, where the hosts emerged as winners.

Currently, the Indian men’s hockey team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, is preparing for the Asia Cup in Perth, engaging in friendly matches against Australia. Coached by Craig Fulton, the Asia Cup will be a significant test for them, as they finished a disappointing eighth in the elite nine-team Pro League.