India will start their Hockey Asia Cup 2025 campaign against China on August 29, the fixtures of which was announced by the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) on Tuesday. Expectedly, Pakistan withdrew from the tournament due to security reasons after Operation Sindoor, while Oman also pulled out. Bangladesh and Kazakhstan replaced them.
India have been clubbed in Pool A with China, Japan and Kazakhstan while Pool B consists of Korea, Malaysia, Bangladesh and Chinese Taipei. All the matches of the Hockey Asia Cup 2025 will be held at Rajgir Hockey Stadium. The tournament is significant to all the teams as the champions will be awarded a direct entry to the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 in Belgium and the Netherlands.
What is the Hockey Asia Cup 2025 format?
Eight teams have been divided into two groups of four each. The top two teams from each pool will advance into the Super 4 stage which will be played in a round-robin format. The top two teams in the Super 4 stage will advance into the final, set for September 7. India will start their campaign on August 29 against China, before playing Japan two days later. They finish their pool assignments on September 1 against Kazakhstan.
Why Pakistan pulled out of Hockey Asia Cp 2025?
Pakistan’s participation in the Hockey Asia Cup 2025 was always in doubt. India’s political ties with Pakistan have always been a talking point over the decades. It became worse after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 which killed 26 innocent lives. India retaliated with Operation Sindoor.
Hockey India president and former India international Dilip Tirkey said it was Pakistan Hockey Federation‘s decision to withdraw itself. “Pakistan is not coming to this tournament due to security reasons. India never refused them; they are refusing to come all by themselves due to security reasons. Pakistan is not playing in the Asia Cup. Pakistan Hockey Federation itself refused to come due to security reasons,” he said.
Live streaming details of Hockey Asia Cup 2025
Sony Sports Network are the official broadcasters of Hockey Asia Cup 2025. All the matches will be telecast live on Sony Sports 2. Live streaming of all Hockey Asia cup 2025 matches will be available on SonyLIV app.
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