Rajgir (Bihar): The Indian men’s hockey team produced a commanding performance today to outclass defending champions South Korea 4-1 in the final of the Asia Cup, clinching the continental crown for the fourth time and sealing direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium.
India, playing in front of a packed home crowd, began with intent and scored within the opening 30 seconds as Sukhjeet Singh found the net from a sharp move initiated by Harmanpreet Singh. Dilpreet Singh doubled the lead in the 28th minute with a clever finish, giving the hosts a comfortable cushion at half-time.
India continued their dominance in the second half. Dilpreet struck again in the 41st minute to make it 3-0, before Amit Rohidas converted a penalty corner in the final quarter with a thundering low strike to extend the lead to 4-0. Korea managed a consolation goal through Son Dain in the 56th minute, but by then the match had slipped firmly out of their grasp.
Dilpreet Singh was named Player of the Match for his brace and all-round attacking play. “It feels very good. Our main target was to win the Asia Cup and qualify for the World Cup. From day one, the focus was on converting chances, and today it worked out perfectly,” he said after the win.
This is India’s fourth Asia Cup triumph, following titles in 2003, 2007, and 2017. The victory also ended an eight-year wait for continental glory.
Sports Minister Anurag Thakur and former internationals lauded the team’s effort, hailing the blend of sharp attack and disciplined defence. Head coach Craig Fulton credited the side’s aggressive start for setting the tone, while captain Harmanpreet Singh said the team’s unity and crowd support had been decisive.
India had entered the final after a resounding 7-0 win over China in the Super 4s, while Korea edged through on points. The final was the 23rd meeting between the two sides, with India now having 11 wins.
With this victory, India not only stamped their authority in Asian hockey but also booked their ticket to the 2026 World Cup, raising hopes of replicating continental success on the global stage.
