Stock image. / istock

For sports lovers of South Asia and people of Indian origin, nothing is more exciting and spectacular than a contest between the India and Pakistan teams.

Though India has been reluctant to send any of its sporting contingents across the border to participate in international sports meets, Pakistan has been, from time to time, taking advantage of all opportunities to showcase its sporting potential on Indian soil.

An overwhelming response greeted the Pakistan team when it visited India to play in the ICC ODI World Cup last year. The team's game against India was held at the iconic Ahmedabad stadium in Gujarat.

India, in return, refused to send its team to Pakistan when it played host to the ICC Champions Trophy Cricket Tournament early this year.

Instead, the ICC agreed to hold all games featuring the Indian team in Dubai. Though this deprived Pakistan of the glamour and charm of holding a major cricket event after a long hiatus, India crowned itself with glory by winning the event in Dubai.

Now it is time for the India-Pakistan contest in hockey. Pakistan is all set to send its team for the next edition of Hero Asia Cup Hockey Tournament for men to be held at Rajgir, a new home of Indian hockey in Bihar, from Aug.29 to Sept.7.

Rajgir, a historic city, is all set for its second major hockey event in a year. It will host the Hero Asia Cup after a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Hockey India and the Bihar State Sports Authority today.

The tournament, featuring eight teams, including Pakistan, Malaysia, Japan, China, Korea, besides hosts India, will be played at the recently developed Rajgir Hockey Stadium, marking a significant milestone in India’s sports infrastructure and Bihar’s emergence as a global sporting hub. The remaining two teams will go through a qualifying tournament to gain entry to the Rajgir tournament.

South Korea has been the most successful team in the history of the Men’s Asia Cup with five titles (1994, 1999, 2009, 2013, and 2022), followed closely by India (2003, 2007, and 2017) and Pakistan (1982, 1985, and 1989), who have each won the tournament three times.

Hero Asia Cup Rajgir, Bihar 2025 holds even greater significance as it will serve as a qualifying event for the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, set to be hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands. The winner of the tournament will earn a coveted spot in the World Cup, adding to the intensity of competition as the teams strive to lift the trophy and secure their qualification.

On Rajgir hosting the prestigious event, Dr B Rajendra, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Sports, Bihar, said, “The signing of the MoU between Hockey India and the Bihar State Sports Authority marks a significant step in Bihar’s journey towards becoming a premier sporting destination.

“Hosting the Hero Asia Cup 2025 in Rajgir is a proud moment for our state, and we are fully committed to ensuring seamless execution of the tournament. The newly developed Rajgir Hockey Stadium stands as a testament to Bihar’s growing sports infrastructure, and we look forward to welcoming top teams from across Asia. This event will not only elevate Bihar’s stature in international sports but also inspire a new generation of hockey players in the region. I thank Hockey India and the Asian Hockey Federation for their support, and we are excited to deliver a world-class tournament.”

Dato Fumio Ogura, President of Asian Hockey Federation, said, “The Hero Asia Cup Rajgir, Bihar 2025 marks another remarkable chapter in Asian hockey. India has always been a key pillar in the development of hockey in our continent, and the choice of Rajgir as the host city reflects the growing commitment to expanding the sport beyond traditional hubs.”

Hockey India President Dr Dilip Tirkey also shared his thoughts and commented, “Rajgir’s hosting of the Hero Asia Cup marks another significant step forward for Indian hockey. The stadium is of international standards, and I am confident it will provide an exciting atmosphere for players and spectators alike. With the Asia Cup serving as a qualifier for the 2026 World Cup, we anticipate high-quality matches filled with passion and skill. I thank the Government of Bihar for their continued support in promoting hockey in the region.”

Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh added, “We are thrilled to bring the Asia Cup to Rajgir, Bihar. The tournament will not only showcase the best of Asian hockey but also provide a major boost to the sport in India and the region."