New Delhi, Aug. 29 -- The Men's Hockey Asia Cup is set to begin on August 29 (Friday), in Rajgir, Bihar. The 12th edition of the tournament serves as a qualifier for the 2026 FIH Men's Hockey World Cup, co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands. Hosts India will be geared up to face China in a crucial Pool A opening clash and start the tournament on a high note.

The Asia Cup 2025, hosted at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium, features eight top Asian teams. The tournament is a gateway to the 2026 World Cup, with the winner earning a direct spot and teams placing second to sixth advancing to the World Cup Qualifiers.

India, a three-time champion (2003, 2007, 2017), will aim to reclaim the title last won in 2017. After a tough FIH Pro League 2024-2...