India to Open Women’s Asia Cup Hockey 2025 Campaign Against Thailand

The Indian women’s hockey team is gearing up for a high-stakes showdown as it begins its Asia Cup 2025 campaign on September 5 against Thailand at the Gongshu Canal Sports Park in Hangzhou, China. Serving as a crucial qualifier for the 2026 Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup, the tournament brings together Asia’s best teams in a battle for continental supremacy and a coveted spot on the global stage. With a challenging group that includes defending champions Japan, India enters the competition with determination to reclaim the title and reaffirm its rising stature in international women’s hockey.

Why in the news?

The Indian women’s hockey team will kick off its Asia Cup 2025 campaign on September 5, 2025, against Thailand at the Gongshu Canal Sports Park Field Hockey Field in Hangzhou, China. The tournament, scheduled from September 5 to 14, serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup, making it a pivotal event for all participating Asian teams.

Tournament Overview

• Event: Women’s Asia Cup 2025
• Dates: September 5 to 14, 2025
• Venue: Gongshu Canal Sports Park, Hangzhou, China
• Organized By: Asian Hockey Federation (AHF)

India’s Pool B Line-Up

• Teams: India, Japan (defending champions), Thailand, and Singapore

India’s Schedule

• Sept 5: India vs Thailand
• Sept 6: Japan vs India
• Sept 8: India vs Singapore

Aim and Objective

• To win the Asia Cup and secure direct qualification to the 2026 Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup.
• To test squad strength against Asia’s top teams, especially Japan, a key early opponent.

What the Team Said

• Captain Salima Tete expressed optimism and confidence, saying Pool B offers an early test and a great opportunity to sharpen the team’s performance.
• Vice-Captain Navneet Kaur emphasized the team’s intense training and readiness to handle pressure games like the clash against Japan.

Historical Context

• India last won the Women’s Asia Cup in 2017, defeating China in the final.
• In the previous edition, India secured the bronze medal.

Significance

• A title win not only boosts continental standing but ensures a direct berth in the 2026 World Cup.
• Helps assess progress of India’s women’s hockey program ahead of future global competitions.