The Asia Cup Hockey 2025 promises to be one of the most important tournaments in the international calendar for Asian nations. With a World Cup qualification spot on the line, the stakes are higher than ever. This edition is expected to showcase a mix of seasoned campaigners and rising stars, with national teams aiming to stamp their dominance on the continental stage.
Let’s take a look at the teams, the expected Asia Cup Hockey schedule and the key highlights to follow.
Participating Teams
As per previous formats and regional qualifiers, the following teams are expected to take part in Asia Cup Hockey 2025:
- India
- Pakistan
- Malaysia
- South Korea
- Japan
- China
- Oman
- Bangladesh
These teams represent the strongest hockey-playing nations in Asia, with a history of close contests and competitive performances.
Asia Cup Hockey 2025 Schedule (Expected)
Although the official Asia Cup Hockey schedule hasn’t been announced yet, the tournament will likely be held over 10–14 days in late 2025 just like past events.
The group phases will shape the final standings then teams will clash in knockouts and battle in classification contests.
Key dates to watch:
- Opening Match – Expected in the last week of November 2025
- Semi-Finals – Mid-December 2025
- Final – Around 15–20 December 2025
The Asian Hockey Federation will drop the full schedule closer to the tournament date.
Stay updated with match fixtures, team announcements, and official news directly from the Asian Hockey Federation’s official page.
India Squad and Key Highlights
India enters the Asia Cup 2025 with a clear goal to win the title and secure automatic World Cup qualification.
Coach & Leadership
- Head Coach: Craig Fulton
- Captain: Harmanpreet Singh (also penalty corner specialist)
- Vice-Captain: Hardik Singh, known for his calm midfield control
Core Players & Strategy
- Jugraj Singh supports Harmanpreet in drag-flick duties
- Manpreet Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad add strength in midfield
- Forwards: Dilpreet Singh, Abhishek, and Mandeep Singh lead the pressing game
Notable Absentees
- Shamsher Singh is not part of the squad
- Gurjant Singh returns after recovering from a broken leg
- Reserves: Nilam Sanjeep Xess and Selvam Karthi could be called up if required
Why the Asia Cup Matters
The Asia Cup Hockey 2025 serves a dual purpose:
- Continental supremacy — A chance to become the best in Asia.
- World Cup qualification — The winner secures an automatic spot.
With tight competition expected, every match could be decisive. The tournament also gives teams a chance to refine combinations ahead of global events.
What to Expect
Fans can expect:
- Fast-paced, tactical matches
- Intense rivalries, especially India vs Pakistan
- Emerging talent from teams like Japan and Malaysia
- A strong push from hosts (if applicable), who often bring passionate support
When Will the Full Schedule Be Released?
The Asia Cup hockey 2025 continues to be an important turning point for Asian Hockey as the countdown starts.
With a World Cup in mind and national pride at stake, the tournament holds high stakes or the pressure is immense
In the coming months, look out for the full schedule of the Asia Cup Hockey along with final team confirmations.
