Overview

• India reached Patna/Rajgir with a full-strength squad led by Harmanpreet Singh, as coach Craig Fulton cited solid preparation and confidence tempered by respect for all opponents.
• Pool A includes India, Japan, China and Kazakhstan, with India set to play China on August 29, Japan on August 31 and Kazakhstan on September 1.
• Malaysia were the first to arrive and will open against Bangladesh on August 29 in Pool B, where captain Marhan Jalil aims for the Super 4s and identifies India as the team to beat.
• Defending champions South Korea and Japan have also checked in, with Korea’s Jongsuk Bae promising full commitment and Japan’s Raiki Fujishima targeting World Cup qualification by winning the Cup.
• This Asia Cup marks the Indian men’s team’s first appearance in Rajgir, adding local interest as Bihar hosts top-tier international hockey.