India vs China Hockey, Asia Cup 2025 Live Score: India Eyeing Positive Start In Tournament Opener

India vs China Hockey, Asia Cup 2025 Live Score: The 12th edition of the Asia Cup Hockey begins today here in Rajgir, Bihar, with India taking on China in the tournament opener.

The continental championship carries extra weight this year, serving as a direct qualifier for the 2026 Hockey World Cup scheduled to be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands.

For India, the tournament represents both opportunity and trial. A three-time champion and the highest-ranked team in Asia, the men in blue shoulder the dual burden of pride and expectation. While history places them as favourites, recent form has raised serious concerns.

India’s first attempt at booking a World Cup berth ended in disappointment during the European leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25. Under head coach Craig Fulton, the side endured its worst-ever stretch – a record seven consecutive defeats and just one win from eight outings. Once seen as medal contenders on the global stage, India slipped to seventh in world rankings and faced mounting criticism.

Now, the Asia Cup offers a chance at redemption. Fulton has labelled it the “most important tournament of the year,” not just for the ticket to the World Cup but also for restoring belief in a side that has appeared adrift. Whether the Pro League collapse was a temporary setback or a sign of deeper fault lines remains the looming question.

When will the India vs China Asia Cup Hockey be held?

The India vs China encounter in the Asia Cup Hockey is on August 29 from 3 PM IST.

Where will the India vs China Asia Cup Hockey be held?

This year, the match will be held in India’s Rajgir.

Where to Watch India vs China Asia Cup Hockey?

Fans in India can follow the action live. Matches will be streamed on the SonyLiv app and website, while television coverage will be provided by the Sony Sports Network.

Teams Squads

India Squad

Goalkeepers: Krishan Pathak, Suraj Karkera

Defenders: Sumit, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh (captain), Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh

Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad

Forwards: Mandeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh

Reserves: Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Selvam Karthi

China Squad

Ao Xu, Chen Qijun, Gao Jiesheng, Chen Chengfu, Meng Yuanfeng, Li Pengfei, Chen Chongcong (C), LU Yuanlin, Meng Dihao, Xu Jiebin, Du Shihao, Zhang Xiaojia, Ao Suozhu, Meng Nan, Lin Changliang, Guo Xiaolong, Wang Weihao (GK), Wang Caiyu (GK), Ao Yang, Chen Benhai.