First Time Since 1994: Kazakhstan Arrive In India For Asia Cup Hockey

Last Updated:August 27, 2025, 12:46 IST

Currently ranked 81st in the FIH World Rankings, Kazakhstan is in Pool A, alongside hosts India, Japan, and China.

Kazakhstan hockey players pose for a team photo after landing in India. (Picture Credit: X/TheHockeyIndia)

The Kazakhstan men’s hockey team has arrived here for the Asia Cup, which begins on August 29, marking their first appearance in this continental event since 1994.

Led by Yerkebulan Dyussebekov, the team landed on Tuesday night, marking their first time playing on Indian soil. Kazakhstan’s 1994 Asia Cup campaign in Hiroshima ended in a fifth-place finish.

That same year, they also achieved a sixth-place finish at the Asian Games.

Currently ranked 81st in the FIH World Rankings, Kazakhstan is in Pool A, alongside hosts India, Japan, and China.

They will start their campaign against Japan on August 29, followed by a match against China on August 31, before concluding the group stage with a game against India on September 1.

“We are extremely excited to be here in India for the very first time. This country is known as the heartland of hockey, and for us to play in such an atmosphere is a very special opportunity," Dyussebekov was quoted as saying by Hockey India in a press release.

“We have a very young team, and over the past few months our preparation has been about giving these players confidence and exposure at the highest level. The energy and enthusiasm in the group is fantastic, and we are eager to learn and grow with every match," he added.

Regarding the challenging pool placement, Dyussebekov acknowledged that his team would have to fight hard.

“Being placed in a group with India, Japan, and China will be a tough challenge, but we see this as a great chance to test ourselves against some of the best teams in Asia. Our aim is to fight hard, play with discipline, and make Kazakhstan proud on this big stage," Dyussebekov concluded.

With PTI Inputs

Feroz Khan

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital...Read More

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital...

Read More

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Rajgir, India, India

First Published:

August 27, 2025, 12:46 IST

News sports First Time Since 1994: Kazakhstan Arrive In India For Asia Cup Hockey

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