a day ago
Oman withdraws from Asia Cup hockey tournament in India
Muscat – Oman has withdrawn from the Asia Cup hockey tournament scheduled in Bihar, India from August 29. Pakistan has also pulled out amid reported political tensions.
Bangladesh and Kazakhstan will replace Pakistan and Oman, respectively, according to the tournament schedule released on Tuesday. Oman Hockey Association did not provide a reason for the withdrawal.
Oman had secured a place in the Asia Cup 2025 after defeating Chinese Taipei 4-3 in a closely contested AFC Hockey Cup final in Jakarta, Indonesia in April.
Host India has been drawn in Pool A alongside China, Japan and Kazakhstan. Pool B comprises Malaysia, South Korea, Chinese Taipei and Bangladesh. The winner of the eight-team tournament will qualify for the 2026 World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands.
The tournament will begin on August 29 with Malaysia facing Bangladesh, followed by South Korea taking on Chinese Taipei. India will play China in the final match of the opening day before the home crowd. The pool stage will be followed by the Super4s from September 3 to 6, with the sequence of matches to be confirmed after completion of the pool stage. The final and third-place matches, along with the 5th/6th classification games, are scheduled for September 7.
Asian Hockey Federation President Fumio Ogura said, 'The Hero Asia Cup Rajgir Bihar 2025 will bring together the very best of Asian hockey. With World Cup qualification on the line, every match will carry enormous importance. We are confident this edition will showcase thrilling competition, inspire millions of fans and leave a lasting legacy for the sport in Asia.'
