- By Himanshu Badola
- Fri, 29 Aug 2025 01:39 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
India vs China, Asia Cup 2025: India are set to kick off their campaign in the Asia Cup 2025 with the first match against China at the Rajgir Hockey Complex on Friday, August 29.
With an eye already set on the title and a World Cup spot at stake, the team and coach Craig Fulton have declared the Asia Cup a 'flagship event', one where anything less than victory will be a disaster.
India are currently ranked 7th in the world and will be heading into the tournament as the title contenders. Their recent performances have been less than impressive, and the Asia Cup will be a chance to prove that the Olympic bronze-medallists are still a top team at the moment. Notably, the continental event also serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Hockey World Cup set to happen in Belgium and the Netherlands.
A total of eight teams are participating in the competition. Originally, Pakistan and Oman were slated to feature but withdrew, leading to their replacement by Bangladesh and Kazakhstan.
Teams are being divided into Pool A and Pool B. The last time India faced China, they registered a 1-0 victory.
India vs China Match details
The opening game will kick off India’s campaign in Pool A, alongside Japan and Kazakhstan.
Date: August 29, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM IST
Venue: Rajgir Hockey Stadium, Rajgir, Bihar
India vs China Asia Cup 2025 Live Streaming
Fans in India can watch the match on Sony Sports Network, and the live streaming will be available on the SonyLIV app and website.
India vs China Head-to-Head Record
Matches played: 24
India won: 18
China won: 3
Draws: 3
India Squad:
Goalkeepers: Krishan Pathak, Suraj Karkera
Defenders: Harmanpreet Singh (captain), Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sumit, Sanjay, Jugraj Singh
Midfielders: Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Hardik Singh
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