Bangladesh Steps In: India’s Asia Cup Journey Begins Against China

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Updated on: Aug 19, 2025 08:04 pm IST
            
Pakistan will not participate in the Asia Cup due to security concerns, with Bangladesh replacing them in the tournament scheduled for August 29-September 7.
            

                
New Delhi: The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) confirmed on Tuesday that Pakistan will not be participating in the Asia Cup. Instead, Bangladesh will replace them as the competition takes place from August 29 to September 7 in Rajgir, Bihar.
                

                    
                    
                
                
Speculation had been rife about Pakistan's withdrawal following a border skirmish with India in May that occurred after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, claiming 26 lives.
                
"It was always unlikely. But now it is confirmed that Pakistan won’t be traveling to India due to security concerns," a Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) official told HT on condition of anonymity.
                
Indian authorities had assured that Pakistani players would receive visas if they decided to participate. In Pakistan's absence, Bangladesh will compete in the eight-team tournament. Additionally, Oman has also pulled out, leading the AHF to invite Kazakhstan.
                
Hosts India are placed in Pool A alongside Japan, China, and Kazakhstan, while Pool B includes Malaysia, defending champions South Korea, and Chinese Taipei. India will commence their campaign against China on August 29, followed by matches against Japan on August 31 and Kazakhstan on September 1.
                
The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super 4s, held from September 3-6, followed by the final on September 7. The winner will secure a direct berth for the 2026 World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium.
                
World No.7 India qualified as hosts, while teams such as No.12 Malaysia, No.13 South Korea, No.18 Japan, and No.23 China will compete based on 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," said AHF president Fumio Ogura.
                
South Korea is the most successful team with five Asia Cup titles, while India and Pakistan have each won three.
                
This will be the second international hockey event hosted in Rajgir, following 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 friendly matches against Australia. The tournament will be a significant test for the Craig Fulton-coached side, which narrowly avoided relegation in the elite nine-team Pro League.
            

            

                
News / Sports / Hockey / Asia Cup: Pakistan replaced by Bangladesh, India to open against China
            

            
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