Asian Games
The men's competition features 15 teams following Iraq's withdrawal, with the top two from each group advancing to the quarter-finals.
The women’s draw saw holders Japan drawn alongside Chinese Taipei, Vietnam and Thailand.
Korea Republic, the most successful nation in the Asian Games with six gold medals, headline the three-team Group D.
The East Asian side will be seeking a fourth consecutive title after triumphing in 2014, 2018 and 2022 but will face a stern challenge from 1986 silver medallists Saudi Arabia and 2006 champions Qatar.
Hosts Japan, champions in 2010 and runners-up at the previous two editions, were placed in Group A together with Thailand, Kyrgyz Republic and Hong Kong, China.
Group B promises several intriguing encounters with China PR drawn alongside four-time champions Islamic Republic of Iran, United Arab Emirates and 1978 winners DPR Korea.
China PR will be aiming to improve on their two previous bronze medals and a runners-up finish in 1994, while the Islamic Republic of Iran will be seeking a first title since their 2002 triumph.
Uzbekistan, who claimed gold in 1994 and bronze at the 2022 edition, will meet Vietnam, the Philippines and two-time silver medallists Kuwait in Group C.
Japan will begin their bid for a third consecutive Asian Games women’s gold medal against Chinese Taipei, Vietnam and Thailand in Group E.
The Nadeshiko lifted the title in 2010, 2018 and 2022 and are level with DPR Korea and China PR on three gold medals each as the competition’s most successful nations.
Group F brings together Korea Republic and DPR Korea, with Bangladesh and Myanmar completing the section.
Three-time champions DPR Korea will be targeting a return to the top of the podium after finishing runners-up in 2022, while Korea Republic will look to improve on the bronze medals secured in 2010, 2014 and 2018.
China PR, champions in 1990, 1994 and 1998, will take on the Philippines, Uzbekistan and Hong Kong, China in Group G.
The men’s competition will be played from September 15 to October 3, with the women’s tournament scheduled for September 14 to October 2.
Draw result
Men’s tournament
Group A: Japan, Thailand, Kyrgyz Republic, Hong Kong, China
Group B: China PR, Islamic Republic of Iran, United Arab Emirates, DPR Korea
Group C: Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Philippines, Kuwait
Group D: Korea Republic, Saudi Arabia, Qatar
Group A: Japan, Thailand, Kyrgyz Republic, Hong Kong, China
Group B: China PR, Islamic Republic of Iran, United Arab Emirates, DPR Korea
Group C: Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Philippines, Kuwait
Group D: Korea Republic, Saudi Arabia, Qatar
Women’s tournament
Group E: Japan, Chinese Taipei, Vietnam, Thailand
Group F: Korea Republic, DPR Korea, Bangladesh, Myanmar
Group G: China PR, Philippines, Uzbekistan, Hong Kong, China
Group E: Japan, Chinese Taipei, Vietnam, Thailand
Group F: Korea Republic, DPR Korea, Bangladesh, Myanmar
Group G: China PR, Philippines, Uzbekistan, Hong Kong, China
Photos: AFP
