Overview

• The Asian Hockey Federation released the official schedule confirming the tournament will run August 29 to September 7 in Rajgir, Bihar.
• Pakistan and Oman have withdrawn from the event, with Bangladesh and Kazakhstan named as replacements, and Pakistan's exit has been reported as security-related.
• The pools are set as Pool A: India, Japan, China, Kazakhstan; and Pool B: Malaysia, South Korea, Bangladesh, Chinese Taipei.
• Opening day fixtures feature defending champions South Korea against Chinese Taipei.
• After the pool stage the competition moves to the Super4s, with the final on September 7 and the champion earning Asia's direct berth to the 2026 World Cup.