Rajgir Set to Host Men's Asia Cup 2025 as Hockey India Partners with Bihar Sports Authority

New Delhi, March 31 (NationPress) Rajgir, a historic city in Bihar, is set to host the Men's Asia Cup 2025 after a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Hockey India and the Bihar State Sports Authority on Monday.

The tournament is scheduled from August 29 to September 9 at the newly constructed Rajgir Hockey Stadium, marking a pivotal moment for India’s sports infrastructure and the rise of Bihar as a global sporting destination.

This event will be the second international sports competition in Rajgir, following the successful Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in November 2024, where India claimed victory.

The Asia Cup Rajgir, Bihar 2025 will also serve as a qualifying event for the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, which will take place in Belgium and the Netherlands. The tournament winner will secure a prized position in the World Cup.

This 12th edition of the continental championship will feature eight teams, including India, Pakistan, Japan, South Korea, China, and Malaysia. The remaining two teams will qualify through the AHF Cup.

South Korea is the most successful team in the Men’s Asia Cup history with five titles (1994, 1999, 2009, 2013, and 2022), followed by India (2003, 2007, 2017) and Pakistan (1982, 1985, 1989), who each have three championships.

Commenting on Rajgir's role as the event host, B Rajendra, additional chief secretary of the Department of Sports, Bihar, stated, “The signing of the MoU between Hockey India and the Bihar State Sports Authority is a crucial milestone in Bihar’s aim to become a leading sporting destination. Hosting the Asia Cup 2025 in Rajgir is a proud achievement for our state, and we are dedicated to ensuring the tournament runs smoothly.

“The newly established Rajgir Hockey Stadium exemplifies Bihar’s advancing sports infrastructure, and we eagerly await the arrival of top teams from across Asia. This event will not only elevate Bihar’s profile in international sports but also inspire a new generation of hockey players in the region. We thank Hockey India and the Asian Hockey Federation for their support, and we are enthusiastic about delivering a world-class tournament.”

Moreover, Dato Fumio Ogura, president of the Asian Hockey Federation, remarked, “India has always been a fundamental component in the development of hockey on our continent, and choosing Rajgir as the host city highlights the growing dedication to broaden the sport beyond traditional centers. The new infrastructure and vibrant hockey culture in Bihar will guarantee an exceptional tournament.

“With World Cup qualification on the line, this promises to be an exhilarating event, and we at AHF are eager to witness high-caliber hockey.”

Dilip Tirkey, president of Hockey India, also shared his perspective, stating, “Rajgir’s hosting of the Asia Cup Rajgir, Bihar 2025 represents another vital step for Indian hockey. With the Asia Cup serving as a qualifier for the 2026 World Cup, we expect matches filled with passion and skill.”

Bhola Nath Singh, secretary general of Hockey India, added, “This tournament will not only highlight the best of Asian hockey but will also significantly boost the sport in India and the region. The enthusiasm surrounding hockey in Bihar is on the rise, and this international event will motivate many young players.”