Rajgir (Bihar) [India], August 24 (ANI): The Japan Men’s Hockey Team arrived in Bihar late Saturday night time forward of the distinguished Hero Asia Cup Rajgir, Bihar 2025, as per a launch from Hockey India.
Despite being a constant contender, Japan has completed fourth on 5 events within the match’s historical past however has but to assert a podium end. This time, they are going to be decided to interrupt the jinx and safe a top-three spot.
Currently ranked 18th within the FIH World Rankings, Japan has been drawn into Pool A alongside hosts India, China, and Kazakhstan.
They will start their marketing campaign towards Kazakhstan on twenty ninth August, earlier than going through host India in what guarantees to be a high-voltage encounter on thirty first August. In their remaining Pool match, Japan will tackle China on 1st September.
After the group’s arrival, Japan Captain Raiki Fujishima acknowledged, ‘We are thrilled to be right here in Rajgir for our very first match on this metropolis. Our major goal is to safe qualification for the 2026 World Cup by profitable the Asia Cup 2025, and for that we’re decided to play with full combating spirit. The group is motivated to present its finest and showcase top-level hockey all through the match.’
‘Without a doubt, our hardest take a look at will probably be towards India. They are the highest-ranked group on this competitors and also will have the benefit of sturdy house help. But we imagine in our skills, and we’re assured of breaking by way of this time and ending on the rostrum,’ he concluded.
Earlier this month, Malaysia arrived in Patna, Bihar, on Saturday morning for the distinguished Asia Cup Rajgir, Bihar 2025. Malaysia have been the finalists within the earlier version held in Jakarta, the place they misplaced the title match to Korea 1-2, however this time, the Captain expressed that the group is right here to win.
‘It may be very thrilling to be right here in Rajgir. We stay up for having an excellent match, and now we have ready properly. Hosts India will probably be a tricky group to beat as a result of they’ve performed so many high groups within the Pro League and have the appropriate expertise and publicity in worldwide hockey,’ expressed Marhan Jalil. (ANI)