The upcoming Men's Hockey Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to be held in Rajgir, Bihar, from August 27 to September 7, has generated significant buzz, particularly regarding the inclusion of Pakistan's hockey team. Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey has welcomed Pakistan's participation, recognizing the value it adds to the tournament's success. However, he also stressed the need for heightened vigilance and care, considering recent military tensions between the two nations.
Tirkey acknowledged that he had not yet received official communication from the sports ministry regarding Pakistan's participation but learned about it through the media. Despite this, he lauded the decision, emphasizing its positive implications for hockey in the country. He highlighted that with India hosting both the Asia Cup and the Junior World Cup, Pakistan's presence in both events is "great news for the fans".
The India-Pakistan sporting relationship has been strained due to military conflicts. However, the decision to allow Pakistan to participate in the Asia Cup signals a willingness to separate sports from political tensions. A source in the Sports Ministry confirmed that approvals have been granted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and the Sports Ministry. This unified decision from the various ministries underscores India's commitment to hosting multinational sporting events and upholding the spirit of international competition. The source stated, "We are not against any team competing in India in a multi-national competition".
The Asia Cup 2025 will be the 12th edition of the Men's Hockey Asia Cup, a quadrennial international men's field hockey championship organized by the Asian Hockey Federation. It is a crucial event as it serves as a qualifier for the 2026 FIH Men's Hockey World Cup, to be co-hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium. The winner of the Asia Cup will secure a coveted spot in the World Cup.
Rajgir is preparing to host this prestigious tournament at the newly developed Rajgir Hockey Stadium. This event marks a significant step in the city's development as a sporting hub in Bihar. The stadium, built to international standards, is expected to create an electrifying atmosphere for both players and spectators. The tournament will be the second major international sporting event held in Rajgir, following the successful Women's Asian Champions Trophy in November 2024.
Eight teams, including top hockey nations from Asia such as South Korea, India, Pakistan, Japan, China, and Malaysia, are expected to compete in the Asia Cup 2025. South Korea is the most successful team in the history of the Men's Asia Cup, with five titles. India and Pakistan have each won the tournament three times.
The inclusion of Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 is expected to create high-stakes encounters between the two neighboring countries. Tirkey emphasized the need to take "great care of Pakistan, keeping in mind of what happened recently on the borders". This highlights the importance of ensuring a safe and secure environment for all participating teams, particularly given the existing geopolitical sensitivities.
The participation of Pakistan reinforces India's commitment to the Asian Hockey Federation's inclusive approach to strengthening the game across the continent, irrespective of geopolitical challenges. Dato Fumio Ogura, President of Asian Hockey Federation, stated that "India has always been a key pillar in the development of hockey in our continent, and the choice of Rajgir as the host city reflects the growing commitment to expanding the sport beyond traditional hubs".
