The Indian men’s hockey team will begin their Asia Cup 2025 campaign today when Harmanpreet Singh leads the side against China at the Rajgir Hockey Complex in Bihar. The last time these two teams met, India came out on top in the final of the Asian Champions Trophy. This time, the stakes are even higher. A title win in the ongoing continental tournament will not only add another Asia Cup crown to India’s tally but also confirm a place in the 2026 Hockey World Cup. The final of the competition will be played on September 7. Head coach Craig Fulton has described the Asia Cup as “the most important tournament of the year,” pointing to both the World Cup qualification on offer and the need for India to regain momentum after a disappointing Pro League campaign. India lost seven matches in a row in Europe earlier this year but have since regrouped, spending six weeks in training before travelling to Australia for preparatory games. India, three-time winners of the Asia Cup, start their Group A journey against China before facing Japan on August 31 and Kazakhstan on September 1. For China, guided by Dutch coaches Michel van den Heuvel and Roelant Oltmans, today’s clash is a chance to prove their credentials against a higher-ranked opponent. India hold the edge in head-to-head meetings, having won 18 of 24 encounters against China, with three matches ending in draws. Yet Fulton’s men will be aware that in tournament hockey, one upset can change the complexion of the group stage.Match details
- Fixture: India vs China, Asia Cup 2025
- Date: August 29
- Venue: Rajgir Sports Complex, Patna, Bihar
- Time: 3 PM IST
- TV: Sony Ten 1 HD/SD
- Live streaming: Sony LIV
Head-to-head: India 18 wins, China 3 wins, 3 draws.
