The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) has released the official schedule for the Hero Asia Cup Rajgir Bihar 2025, confirming that Pakistan and Oman have withdrawn from the tournament. 

 

The event will be held from August 29 to September 7 in Bihar, India.

 

Following the withdrawals, Kazakhstan and Bangladesh have been added as replacements. However, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has yet to issue any official statement on the decision to pull out.

 

The continental championship holds major importance as it will not only decide the top team in Asia but also serve as a qualifier for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands. The winners of the Asia Cup will earn a direct spot in the global event.

 

The tournament will open on August 29 with defending champions Korea facing Chinese Taipei at 11:00, followed by hosts India taking on China at 15:00 in what is expected to be a high-voltage clash.

 

The teams have been divided into two pools:

Pool A: India, Japan, China, Kazakhstan
Pool B: Malaysia, Korea, Bangladesh, Chinese Taipei

 

After the pool stage, the top teams will move into the Super4s, with the grand final scheduled for September 7. The champions will not only lift the Hero Asia Cup trophy but also claim Asia’s place at the 2026 Hockey World Cup.