India Faces China Opening Hockey Asia Cup 2025 in India

India has launched its campaign in the 2025 Hockey Asia Cup, hosting the tournament on home soil in Rajgir, Bihar, with a crucial opening match against China. The Asia Cup serves as a direct qualification route for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, making the stakes high for India, which last won the tournament in 2017 and aims for its fourth title. Despite India's recent poor form in the FIH Pro League, the team, ranked world No. 7, is favored to win the Asia Cup and secure World Cup qualification, though captain Harmanpreet Singh cautions against underestimating opponents like China, who narrowly lost to India in the last Asian Champions Trophy final. India's preparation has included a rigorous training camp in Perth and a recent tour in Australia to sharpen their tactical and physical readiness. The tournament field was affected by Pakistan's withdrawal due to political tensions, and India faces stiff competition from teams like South Korea, the defending champions with five titles. India's Pool A opponents also include Japan and Kazakhstan, with the top two teams advancing to the Super4 stage and the eventual winner earning direct World Cup entry.