The Asia Cup 2025 began with a thrilling encounter between India and China in Rajgir, Bihar, with India clinching a 4-3 victory. The match, held on August 29, 2025, saw Harmanpreet Singh leading the Indian team and scoring a hat-trick.

China took an early lead, with Du Shihao converting a penalty corner in the first quarter. India responded in the second quarter when Jugraj Singh leveled the score. Harmanpreet Singh then successfully converted a drag-flick, putting India ahead.

The third quarter saw further exchanges, with Harmanpreet Singh scoring again, but China fought back, with Gao Jiesheng converting a penalty corner to tie the game at 3-3.

In the final quarter, Harmanpreet Singh scored his third goal, securing the win for India. Despite a disallowed goal for India and a strong challenge from China, the hosts managed to hold on to their lead.

The Asia Cup 2025 is the 12th edition of the Men's Hockey Asia Cup, a quadrennial international men's field hockey championship of Asia. This year's tournament is particularly significant as it serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Hockey World Cup, which will be held in Belgium and the Netherlands. The winner of the Asia Cup will secure a direct spot in the World Cup. Teams finishing second to sixth will have another chance to qualify through the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers.

Eight teams are participating in the Asia Cup 2025, divided into two pools. Pool A consists of India, Japan, China, and Kazakhstan, while Pool B includes South Korea, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Chinese Taipei. Pakistan and Oman were originally slated to participate but withdrew due to security concerns and financial constraints, respectively. Bangladesh and Kazakhstan replaced them.

The top two teams from each pool will advance to the Super 4s stage. The teams will then compete in a secondary pool to determine the rankings from one to four. The semi-final lineup will be based on these secondary pool results, and the final is scheduled for September 7.

The Indian team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, includes experienced players such as Krishan Pathak, Suraj Karkera, Sumit, Jarmanpreet Singh, Manpreet Singh, and Hardik Singh.

Live streaming and telecast of the Asia Cup 2025 matches are available on the Sony Sports Network and the SonyLiv app and website in India.