Indian Men's Hockey Team To Play Prep Matches In Australia For Asia Cup
The Indian men's hockey team will tour Australia for a four-match series in Perth from August 15-21, preparing for the Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar from August 29 to September 7.
As part of their preparations for the upcoming Asia Cup, the Indian men's hockey team is all set to tour Australia for a friendly four-match series in Perth from August 15 to 21.
Ranked eighth in the world, the Indian team will face off against the sixth-ranked Australian hosts on August 15, 16, 19, and 21 at the same venue.
The Asia Cup is scheduled to take place in Rajgir, Bihar from August 29 to September 7. The continental event offers a direct qualification spot for next year's FIH World Cup to the tournament winner.
'This tour comes at a crucial time for us, just ahead of the Hero Asia Cup in Bihar. While these are technically friendly matches, they form a very important part of our preparation phase," stated India chief coach Craig Fulton in a statement released by Hockey India.
'Playing against a team like Australia will test us in all aspects – both on the ball and off it – and that is exactly what we need to sharpen up before a major tournament," he added.
Fulton mentioned that the team has recently completed a 10-day training block.
'…the mood in the camp is upbeat as we are fully focused on what lies ahead. One of our key goals on this tour is to use the first two matches for selection purposes, while the remaining games will be played with the shortlisted squad for the Asia Cup," he said.
'Our focus is firmly on moving forward — the goal now is to prepare well and go to the Asia Cup with the intent to win it," he concluded.
The two teams recently clashed in the FIH Pro League in Europe, where Australia narrowly defeated India 3–2 in both legs. India had managed to secure a 3–2 victory over the Kookaburras at last year's Paris Olympics — their first Olympic win over Australia since the 1972 Munich Games.
While recent encounters have been closely fought, Australia have historically dominated this rivalry, winning 35 of the 51 matches played between the two teams since 2013.
India have emerged victorious nine times, with seven matches ending in draws.
With PTI Inputs
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First Published:
July 25, 2025, 13:12 IST
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