Japan Men's Hockey Team Arrives in Bihar for Hero Asia Cup 2025

The Japan Men's Hockey Team has arrived in Rajgir, Bihar, for the Hero Asia Cup 2025, aiming to secure their first podium finish in the tournament's history. With a challenging lineup in Pool A, including India and China, the team is determined to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Captain Raiki Fujishima expresses confidence in their abilities, especially in their upcoming matches. Fans can watch the tournament live on various platforms, making it an exciting event for hockey enthusiasts worldwide.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 24, 2025, 13:34 IST

Japan's Arrival in Rajgir for Asia Cup

Rajgir, August 24, 2025: The Japan Men's Hockey Team touched down in Bihar late Saturday night in preparation for the esteemed Hero Asia Cup Rajgir, Bihar 2025. Historically, Japan has been a strong competitor, finishing fourth five times in this tournament, yet they have not yet secured a podium finish. This year, they are eager to change that narrative and aim for a top-three placement.

Ranked 18th in the FIH World Rankings, Japan finds itself in Pool A, competing against the host nation India, China, and Kazakhstan. Their first match is scheduled against Kazakhstan on August 29, followed by a highly anticipated clash with India on August 31. Japan will conclude their pool stage with a match against China on September 1.

Upon arrival, Japan's captain, Raiki Fujishima, expressed excitement about their first tournament in Rajgir. He stated, "Our main goal is to qualify for the 2026 World Cup by winning the Asia Cup 2025, and we are committed to playing with full determination. The team is eager to perform at its best and deliver high-quality hockey throughout the tournament." He added, "Facing India will undoubtedly be our biggest challenge, as they are the top-ranked team and will enjoy strong home support. However, we trust in our skills and are optimistic about breaking through this time to achieve a podium finish."

Fans can catch the matches live on Sony Sports Network, while viewers in the USA, UK, Netherlands, Europe, and North America can watch the Hero Asia Cup Rajgir Bihar 2025 live on Watch.Hockey.