This year, hockey teams of the host nation Bangladesh along with China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Oman and Pakistan will feature in the tournament. India is the top ranked team amongst the competing teams at 6th position in the latest FIH Hero World Rankings, while Korea, the current title holders is ranked 13th in the world. World number 12 Malaysia, riding high on an excellent performance in the recent Hockey World League Semi-Final in London, and world number 14 Pakistan round up an exciting mix of teams promising a fiercely disputed tournament ahead.
AHF President HRH Prince Abdullah Ahmad Shah said "This is a milestone for hockey in Asia, and a vital step forward on the ambitious path the AHF is following to promote, grow and professionalize our sport," he said. The event was introduced in the year 1982. The inaugural Men's Asia Cup was won by Pakistan who also won the next two editions in 1985 and 1989. India (2003, 2007) and Korea (1993, 1999, 2009 and 2013) have also been champions in the nine editions played so far.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2017