New Delhi: The Indian hockey team will kick off its Asia Cup 2025 campaign against China on August 29, in Rajgir, Bihar. The three-time Asian champion India will be eager to win the title after eight years.
The Asian event carries huge importance as the winner will directly qualify for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 in Belgium and the Netherlands. The teams finishing from second to sixth position will move to the World Cup qualifiers.
India’s arch-rival, Pakistan, pulled out of the event due to security tensions between the two nations. The teams are divided into two groups – Pool A, which includes India, China, Japan, and Kazakhstan, and Pool B includes Bangladesh, Chinese Taipei, Malaysia, and South Korea.
Harmanpreet Singh-led side is coming off a dismal FIH Pro League 2024-25 season as India lost seven consecutive matches. The Indian team will be under immense pressure to perform in front of their home crowd and to end the Asia Cup title drought.
India vs China head-to-head record
India have dominated China in the head-to-head record. In 24 matches between both sides, India have won 18 contests, while China emerged victorious on just three occasions, and the match ended in a tie thrice.
Matches played- 24
India won- 18
China won- 3
Draw- 3
India vs China live streaming details
Indian hockey fans can enjoy the match on Sony Sports Network on TV, while the OTT fans can stream the match live on the SonyLIV app and website from 3:00 pm onwards.
India Squad:
Krishan Pathak, Suraj Karkera, Harmanpreet Singh (captain), Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sumit, Sanjay, Jugraj Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Hardik Singh, Mandeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Selvam Karthi
China Squad:
Ao Xu, Chen Qijun, Gao Jiesheng, Chen Chengfu, Meng Yuanfeng, Li Pengfei, Chen Chongcong (C), Lu Yuanlin, Meng Dihao, Xu Jiebin, Du Shihao, Zhang Xiaojia, Ao Suozhu, Meng Nan, Lin Changliang, Guo Xiaolong, Wang Weihao (GK), Wang Caiyu (GK), Ao Yang, Chen Benhai