The highly anticipated Hockey Asia Cup 2025 match between India and Japan is set to take place on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Rajgir, Bihar. Hockey enthusiasts across the nation are eager to witness this Pool A clash, which is crucial for both teams as they aim for a spot in the Super 4s and, ultimately, a direct qualification for the 2026 FIH Men's Hockey World Cup.

The match is scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST). For fans in India, live streaming will be available on the SonyLiv app and website. Additionally, the match will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network, specifically on Sony TEN 2 and Sony TEN 2 HD TV channels.

India enters this match following a narrow 4-3 victory over China in their opening Pool A game. Harmanpreet Singh's hat-trick proved vital in securing the win for the Men in Blue. Meanwhile, Japan showcased their dominance with an emphatic 7-0 win against Kazakhstan in their first match. With both teams currently holding the same points, Japan leads the Pool A standings due to a superior goal difference. This sets the stage for a thrilling encounter as India and Japan battle for the top spot.

Harmanpreet Singh leads an experienced 18-member Indian squad. Key players to watch out for include Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Mandeep Singh, and Amit Rohidas. The team also includes goalkeepers Krishan Pathak and Suraj Karkera; defenders Sumit, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Amit Rohidas, and Jugraj Singh; midfielders Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, and Hardik Singh; and forwards Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, and Dilpreet Singh.

Japan's squad for the Asia Cup 2025 features a blend of experience and emerging talent. In their opening match against Kazakhstan, YAMASAKI Koji was named Hero of the Match for his outstanding performance in the forward line.

The Asia Cup 2025 holds significant importance as it serves as a qualifying event for the 2026 FIH Men's Hockey World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands. The winner of the Asia Cup will secure a direct spot in the World Cup, while teams finishing second to sixth will have another chance to qualify through the World Cup Qualifiers next year.

The Men's Asia Cup 2025 features eight teams divided into two pools. Pool A consists of India, Japan, China, and Kazakhstan, while Pool B includes South Korea, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Chinese Taipei. After a single-headed round-robin within each pool, the top two teams from each pool will advance to the Super 4s stage. The top two teams from the Super 4s will then compete in the final on September 7.

While India has a dominant head-to-head record against Japan in men's hockey, with 17 wins out of 20 matches, the upcoming encounter is expected to be a fiercely contested affair. Japan's quick and disciplined style will pose a significant challenge to the hosts. India will rely on their strong midfield and experienced players to counter Japan's attacks and create scoring opportunities.