India to Host Hero Asia Cup 2025 Path to 2026 World Cup

The Hero Asia Cup 2025 is set to run from August 29 to September 7 in Rajgir, Bihar, with India as the host nation and a direct path to the 2026 FIH World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands. The eight-nation men’s event features two pools, a Super 4s stage, and a final on September 7. The champion will earn direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup, underscoring the tournament’s significance as both a continental title and a World Cup qualifier. Notably, Bangladesh and Kazakhstan have replaced Pakistan and Oman in the lineup, reshaping the field for the continental championship.

India has been placed in Pool A, alongside Japan, China, and Kazakhstan, while Pool B includes defending champions Korea, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Chinese Taipei. The schedule confirms that India will open their campaign against China on August 29, with subsequent pool fixtures against Japan on August 31 and Kazakhstan on September 1. The eight-team format will transition to the Super 4s from September 3 to 6, culminating in a final between the top two teams in the standings on September 7. The arrangement places considerable emphasis on India, as the host nation eyes both continental supremacy and a...