Asia Cup Hockey: India target title on Dhyan Chand’s birth anniversary

India launch their Asia Cup 2025 campaign in Rajgir on Dhyan Chand’s birth anniversary, aiming to win the continental title and secure direct World Cup qualification. Coach Fulton and captain Harmanpreet exude confidence

Rajgir (Bihar): On the birth anniversary of India’s and world hockey’s greatest player, Major Dhyan Chand, the Indian men’s hockey team will begin its quest for direct qualification to next year’s World Cup by winning the Asia Cup 2025, which begins here on Friday.

August 29, celebrated as National Sports Day, marks Dhyan Chand’s legacy as the “Wizard of Hockey,” who mesmerised the world with his stick work and led India to three Olympic gold medals (1928, 1932, 1936).

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India will look to draw inspiration from the legend as they chase a fourth Asia Cup crown, the title they last won in 2017. The task has been eased somewhat with archrival Pakistan withdrawing from the event, citing security concerns.

The Asia Cup has long been a prestigious fixture in continental hockey. Defending champions South Korea are the most successful side with five titles, while India follows with three. In the previous edition, India had to settle for third after a semi-final draw against Korea, who advanced on goal difference.

India are placed in Pool A alongside China, Japan, and Kazakhstan. Their campaign opens against China on August 29, followed by Japan (August 31), and Kazakhstan (September 1). Pool B features South Korea, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. The top two teams from each pool progress to the Super 4s, with the winner clinching an automatic World Cup berth.

India, ranked 7th in the world, enter the tournament after a disappointing Pro League European leg but remain strong contenders, boosted by home support.

Coach Craig Fulton said:
“Our preparation has been thorough. The camp in Perth gave us the right intensity with competitive matches that sharpened our readiness. Our goal is clear: win the Asia Cup and secure World Cup qualification.”

Captain Harmanpreet Singh added:
“The camp and our recent tour of Australia were very useful. We’ve prepared well as a team. Every opponent is strong, and our mindset is to play smartly, maintain structure, and stay consistent.”