PM Modi hailed Bihar hosting the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025 which will organized in Rajgir, where on National Sports Day India start their battle for a World Cup berth.
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on Thursday told it was a matter of “great Joy” that Bihar is hosting the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025, conveying confident that the tournament will deliver exciting contests, remarkable talent and memorable moments to motivate future generations.
The Asia Cup begins today in Rajgir, coinciding with National Sports Day, which is celebrated on the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. PM Modi wrote on X “I extend my best wishes to all the participating teams, players, officials and supporters across Asia,”
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He told ” Hockey has always held a special place in the hearts of millions across India and Asia. I am confident that this tournament will be full of thrilling matches, displays of extraordinary talent and memorable moments that will inspire future generations of sports lovers.”
Sporting rise of Bihar
Narendra Modi underlined that Bihar has, in recent times, appeared as a vibrant sporting hub, hosting many major events. These include the Khelo India Youth Games 2025, Asia Rugby U20 sevens Championship 2025, ISTAF sepaktaktakraw world Cup 2024 and the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024.
Modi told “This consistent momentum reflects Bihar’s growing infrastructure, grassroots enthusiasm and commitment to nurturing talent across diverse sporting disciplines,”
India follow World Cup Berth
By winning the Asia Cup, three-time champions India will look to seal a World Cup berth, starting with theiropening pool A game versus lower-ranked China on Friday. Kazakhstan and Japan finish the group. Pool B features defending champions and five-time winners South Korea, Bangladesh, Chinese Taipei and Malaysia.
After more than three decades Kazakhstan returning and after Pakistan and Oman pulled out Bangladesh were drafted in. Pakistan withdrawn citing security issues in the results of Operation Sindoor of India, which was launched following the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025.
