Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday unveiled the Hockey Men’s Asia Cup 2025 trophy in New Delhi, setting the stage for the 12th edition of the continental tournament.
The championship will be held from August 29 to September 7 at the newly built Rajgir hockey stadium in Bihar.
The Rajgir edition promises to be historic as it marks the first time Bihar will host a major international hockey tournament, boosting the state’s profile as an emerging sporting hub.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by legendary Indian hockey players including Harbinder Singh, a three-time Olympic medallist; Ashok Dhyanchand, bronze medallist at the 1972 Olympics; and Zafar Iqbal, a gold medallist at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. Senior officials from the Bihar State Government and Hockey India were also present on the occasion.
The 2025 Asia Cup carries added importance as it doubles up as a direct qualifier for the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium. The tournament winner will secure an automatic berth, while teams finishing second to sixth will enter the World Cup qualifiers next year.
India, the host nation, will aim for a record-equalling fourth Asia Cup title, having previously won in 2003, 2007, and 2017. The team had claimed bronze in the last edition held in Jakarta, and with a full-strength squad this time, they are looking to make the most of home advantage in Rajgir.