Bangladesh’s men’s hockey team will enter the 2025 Asia Cup not as favourites, but as opportunists — handed a late entry following Pakistan’s withdrawal over security concerns. Yet while the circumstances of their inclusion may be unusual, the opportunity is anything but trivial.
Placed in Pool B alongside defending champions South Korea, regional powerhouse Malaysia, and the unpredictable Chinese Taipei, Bangladesh face a daunting group stage. Their campaign begins on 29 August against Malaysia, followed by Chinese Taipei the next day, before concluding with a clash against Korea on 1 September.
On paper, Bangladesh are underdogs. They failed to qualify through the AHF Cup, finishing third, and were initially set to miss the tournament for the first time since its inception in 1982. But fortune has offered a second chance — and now the challenge is to make it count.
The key lies in the opening two fixtures. Malaysia, though strong, have shown vulnerability in recent tournaments, while Chinese Taipei remain inconsistent. If Bangladesh can secure points from these matches, they may yet sneak into the Super Four — a stage reserved for the top two teams from each group.
Their final group match against Korea will likely be the toughest.
The Koreans are five-time champions and possess the tactical discipline and pace that has long troubled Bangladesh. But by then, the pressure may be off — or the stakes may be higher than ever.
Beyond results, this tournament offers Bangladesh a platform to test its next generation against Asia’s elite. With World Cup qualification on the line, every match carries weight. But for Bangladesh, the real victory may lie in proving they belong — not just by invitation, but by performance.
