Patna: The historic city of Rajgir, Bihar, is all set to host the Hero Asia Cup Rajgir, Bihar 2025. The event was officially announced today following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Hockey India and Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA). The prestigious tournament will be held from August 29 to September 7 at the recently developed Rajgir Hockey Stadium, marking a significant milestone in India’s sports infrastructure and Bihar’s emergence as a global sports hub. This will be the second international sporting event hosted by Rajgir. Earlier, the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy was successfully held in November 2024, in which India emerged as the winners.
The 12th edition of the continental tournament will see eight teams participating, including India, Pakistan, Japan, Korea, China and Malaysia. The remaining two teams will secure their place through the qualifying tournament AHF Cup.
South Korea have been the most successful team in the history of the Men’s Asia Cup, having won five titles (1994, 1999, 2009, 2013 and 2022). They are followed by India (2003, 2007 and 2017) and Pakistan (1982, 1985 and 1989), who have won the tournament three times each.
The Hero Asia Cup Rajgir, Bihar 2025 assumes greater importance as it will be a qualifying event for the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, scheduled to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands. The winner of the tournament will secure a direct berth in the World Cup, making the competition even more exciting as all teams will be going all out to lift the trophy and ensure their qualification.
Speaking on hosting the prestigious event in Rajgir, Dr B. Rajender, Additional Chief Secretary, Sports Department, Bihar said.”The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Hockey India and Bihar State Sports Authority is a big step towards making Bihar a major sporting destination. It is a matter of pride for our state to host the Hero Asia Cup 2025 in Rajgir, and we are fully committed to the smooth conduct of the tournament.
“The recently developed Rajgir Hockey Stadium is a testimony to Bihar’s growing sporting infrastructure, and we are delighted to welcome the top teams from across Asia. This event will not only enhance Bihar’s reputation in international sports but also inspire new hockey players in the region. I thank Hockey India and the Asian Hockey Federation for their support and we look forward to making this tournament world-class,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Dato Fumio Ogura, President, Asian Hockey Federation, said, “The Hero Asia Cup Rajgir, Bihar 2025 adds another important chapter to the history of Asian hockey. India has always been a key pillar in the development of hockey in our continent, and choosing Rajgir as the host city reflects a commitment to take the sport beyond its traditional centres.
“The new infrastructure and passionate hockey culture in Bihar will make this tournament a great one. As this tournament is a qualifying event for the World Cup, the encounters will be highly competitive, and we are excited to witness high-level hockey at the AHF. I thank Hockey India and the Government of Bihar for their dedication to make this event a grand success,” he said.
Expressing his views, Hockey India President Dr Dilip Tirkey said, “Hosting the Hero Asia Cup Rajgir, Bihar 2025 at Rajgir is another important step for Indian hockey. The stadium is up to international standards, and I am confident that it will provide a great experience for the players and spectators. The Asia Cup will act as a qualifier for the 2026 World Cup, so we will get to see high-level matches filled with passion and skill. I thank the Bihar Government for their continued support in promoting hockey in the region.”
Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh said, “We are excited to bring the Asia Cup to Rajgir, Bihar. This tournament will not only showcase the best of Asian hockey but will take the sport to new heights in India and the region. The enthusiasm and passion for hockey is growing in Bihar, and this international event will inspire many young players. We look forward to a successful tournament and express our gratitude to the local administration for their tremendous support.”
–A Correspondent
