Hero Asia Cup 2022 to commence on May 23, Indian men's hockey team to kickstart campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan
The Hero Asia Cup 2022 men's hockey tournament will take place at GBK Sports Complex Hockey Stadium from May 23 to June 1, 2022, in Jakarta, Indonesia. The Asian Hockey Federation (AFH) has released the schedule for the eight-team tournament.
India have been grouped alongside Pakistan, Japan and Indonesia in Pool A. Meanwhile, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Oman and South Korea are grouped in Pool B. Indonesia, the host nation, will be participating in the Asia Cup for the first time ever.
Defending champions India will kickstart their campaign in the 11th edition of the Asia Cup men's hockey tournament against arch-rivals Pakistan on May 23.
Team India are one of the most successful teams at the continental hockey tournament with three titles to their name, one each in 2003, 2007 and 2017. They are tied with Pakistan, who have also bagged three titles - in 1982, 1985 and 1989, respectively.
However, South Korea have the most number of titles, with four, in 1994, 1999, 2009 and 2013.
The Indian men's hockey team are in fierce form after finishing home leg matches of the FIH Pro League 2021/22 at the top of the points table. The Amit Rohidas-led Indian men's team has had a phenomenal run and are currently placed first in the table with 27 points from 12 matches.
India maintaining its position at the top of the pool standings with a huge margin of 10 points and a remarkable display of teamwork and sportsmanship throughout.
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Asia Cup Men's Hockey 2022 Format
In the preliminary round, four teams in each pool will play each other once. The top four teams, two from each group, will go through to the Super 4s, where they will compete against each other once. The top two teams will then battle it out for the prestigious hockey title.
The top three overall teams will qualify for the Men's FIH Hockey World Cup 2023 to be played in India.
Best moments 📸 from our victory over Germany in their final home game of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2021-22 season at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar today, 15 April 2022
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Asia Cup Men's Hockey 2022: India Schedule
Match 1: India vs Pakistan
Date: May 23, 2022; Timing: 05:00 pm IST
Match 2: Japan vs India
Date: May 24, 2022; Timing: 05:00 pm IST
Match 2: India vs Indonesia
Date: May 26, 2022; Timing: 05:00 pm IST
Also read: Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik unveils official logo of 2023 FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup