Sony Sports Network has acquired the media rights to broadcast the Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2024, one of Asia’s premier hockey tournaments. The event is set to take place from September 8 to September 17, 2024, in Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia, China. Hockey fans across India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka can watch the tournament live on Sony Sports Network and Sony Liv. Here’s a closer look at the details of the tournament, the participating teams, and what viewers can expect from Sony’s coverage.
The Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2024: A Prestigious Tournament
The Hero Asian Champions Trophy is a significant field hockey event in Asia, bringing together the continent’s top teams to compete for regional supremacy. The 2024 edition promises to be exciting, featuring six of Asia’s best teams: Olympic Bronze medallists and defending champions India, along with Pakistan, South Korea, Japan, China, and Malaysia. These teams are among the best in Asian hockey, and the competition will showcase intense rivalries, exceptional skills, and thrilling matches.
The tournament will span ten days of high-energy hockey action. Hulunbuir City, known for its beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage, will provide a unique and picturesque backdrop for the matches.
Sony Sports Network: Bringing the Action Live
Sony Sports Network, a leading sports broadcaster in the region, will deliver comprehensive coverage of all 20 matches of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2024. The matches will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Ten 1 channels, starting on September 8, 2024.
Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer of Sony Pictures Networks India, expressed his excitement: “We are thrilled to bring this prestigious tournament to hockey fans across the region. Audiences will get to watch Team India, the defending champions and Olympic Bronze medal winners, playing for the first time since the Olympic Games Paris 2024. We are committed to delivering high-quality coverage that showcases the talent and competitive spirit of the best teams in Asia.”
Sony’s partnership with the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) aims to promote hockey in the region by providing exclusive coverage of the tournament. This collaboration will help elevate the sport’s profile across Asia, reaching a broader audience.
The Tournament Format: Single-Pool Competition
The Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2024 will feature a single-pool format, where all six teams will compete against each other in a round-robin stage. Each team will play five matches, and the top four teams will progress to the semi-finals. This format makes every match crucial, adding unpredictability and excitement as teams compete for a spot in the knockout rounds.
Opening Day Highlights
The tournament will kick off on September 8, with all six teams in action. The curtain-raiser will feature a match between South Korea and Japan, two strong contenders with a rich history in Asian hockey. This will be followed by Malaysia facing Pakistan, and the day will conclude with defending champions India taking on the hosts, China. This final match of the opening day will be particularly significant as it marks India’s return to the field after their successful campaign at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
A Clash of Rivals: India vs. Pakistan
One of the tournament’s highlights will be the match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan on September 14. Often referred to as the ‘mother of all hockey battles,’ this historic rivalry has always drawn millions of viewers worldwide. Both teams will bring their best to the field, aiming for regional dominance in what promises to be an intense encounter.
The tournament will feature a total of 20 matches, culminating in the grand final on September 17, where the champions will be crowned. With the stakes high, every match will showcase the talent, strategy, and competitive spirit of the participating teams.
Teams to Watch: Spotlight on the Contenders
The Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2024 brings together six of the best teams in Asian hockey, each with unique strengths and playing styles. Here’s a look at the participating teams:
India
The defending champions and Olympic Bronze medallists are one of the favorites to win the tournament. Led by a mix of experienced players and young talent, Team India will look to build on their recent successes. Key players like Harmanpreet Singh, Manpreet Singh, and PR Sreejesh bring experience and skill, making India a formidable opponent.
Pakistan
With a rich history of success in Asian hockey, Pakistan remains a powerful force. Known for their fast-paced and attacking style, they will aim to reclaim their place at the top of Asian hockey. With a mix of veteran players and promising youngsters, Pakistan is expected to be a strong contender.
South Korea
South Korea is known for its tactical approach and disciplined gameplay. They have consistently performed well in Asian hockey and are known for their ability to upset higher-ranked teams. Their focus on speed, agility, and strategy makes them a tough opponent.
Japan
Japan is a rising force in Asian hockey, showing remarkable progress in recent years. Their strong defensive setup and quick counter-attacks have become their signature style. Japan will look to continue their growth and aim for a podium finish.
China
As the host nation, China will have the advantage of playing on home turf, which could significantly impact their performance. With the support of the home crowd, China will leverage their speed and agility to challenge more established teams. The team has been working on building a young, dynamic squad that can compete at the highest level.
Malaysia
Malaysia has been a consistent performer in Asian hockey, known for their skillful play and tenacity. They have a solid track record in the Asian Champions Trophy and will be looking to build on their past successes. Malaysia’s team will use their experience and tactical intelligence to outmaneuver their opponents.
What to Expect from Sony Sports Network’s Coverage
Sony Sports Network’s coverage of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2024 will be comprehensive and engaging. With exclusive broadcasting rights, Sony will bring live action to viewers in India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Sony promises high-quality coverage that captures the intensity and excitement of every match. The coverage will include expert commentary, in-depth analysis, and behind-the-scenes insights, offering viewers a complete experience. Fans can also look forward to pre-match shows, post-match discussions, player interviews, and special segments that highlight the stories of the participating teams and players.
Sony Liv for On-the-Go Access
In addition to traditional broadcasts, Sony Liv, the network’s digital streaming platform, will offer live streaming of all matches. This digital presence ensures fans can follow the tournament from anywhere, at any time, on their preferred devices.
Elevating Hockey’s Profile in Asia
The partnership between Sony Sports Network and the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) aims to elevate hockey’s profile across Asia. Fumio Ogura, President of the AHF, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “The Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2024, a prestigious tournament showcasing the finest talent in Asian hockey, will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network, one of the biggest broadcasters in the region. This partnership reflects our dedication to bringing the sport of hockey to a broader audience and ensuring that fans can witness some of the best hockey teams and athletes in action.”
Broadcasting the tournament live will promote hockey to a wider audience, reaching millions of viewers across multiple countries. It will inspire young athletes to take up the sport and pursue their dreams.
The Future of Asian Hockey
The Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2024 is not just a competition; it celebrates the rich history, talent, and passion that define hockey in Asia. The tournament offers a platform for the best teams in the region to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level. It also provides an opportunity to strengthen the sport’s popularity and expand its reach across the continent.
With Sony Sports Network’s commitment to delivering high-quality coverage and the AHF’s dedication to promoting the sport, the future of Asian hockey looks promising. This partnership will help build a strong foundation for the growth of hockey in Asia, inspiring a new generation of players and fans.
Get Ready for the Action
As the countdown to the Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2024 begins, hockey fans across Asia are preparing for an exciting tournament filled with high-stakes matches, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments. With Sony Sports Network bringing the action live to millions of viewers, this year’s tournament promises to be a celebration of hockey at its finest.
From the opening matches on September 8 to the final showdown on September 17, the Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2024 will captivate fans and elevate the sport to new heights. Tune in to Sony Sports Network and Sony Liv to witness the best teams in Asia compete for glory and honor.
Watch the Promo Video and More
Stay tuned to Sony Sports Network for promotional videos, player highlights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content leading up to the tournament. For the latest updates and live action, follow Sony Sports Network on social media and keep your eyes peeled for special features and insights on your favorite teams and players.
