The Indian men’s hockey team ended an eight-year wait for continental glory by winning the Asia Cup 2025 title after a commanding 4-1 victory over South Korea in the final held at the Rajgir Sports Complex in Bihar on September 7. This triumph marked India’s fourth Asia Cup championship and secured their qualification for the prestigious FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium.
India got off to a flying start with Sukhjeet Singh netting a goal within the first 30 seconds, assisted deftly by captain Harmanpreet Singh. The host team maintained dominance throughout the match, with Dilpreet Singh scoring a brace (28’, 45’) that firmly established the lead. Amit Rohidas added the finishing touch with a goal in the 50th minute. South Korea’s lone response came from Son Dain in the 51st minute, but the deficit was too large to overcome.
The victory was acclaimed for India’s disciplined defense and relentless attacking strategy, showcasing a clinical performance that overwhelmed the defending champions. Harmanpreet Singh’s leadership and tactical vision were widely credited for orchestrating the team’s seamless gameplay.
This Asia Cup win not only restores India’s dominance in Asian hockey but also signifies a strong show of intent ahead of the global stage in 2026. The team’s blend of experienced stalwarts and emerging talent has rekindled hopes among fans and experts alike for a deep run in the Hockey World Cup.
Following the final, Hockey India announced a reward of INR 3 lakh for the players in recognition of their outstanding achievement. The win also adds to India’s rich hockey legacy, positioning them as major contenders as they prepare for future international challenges.
With Asia Cup 2025 glory in hand, the Indian hockey team now shifts focus towards maintaining momentum and sharpening form ahead of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, aiming to replicate continental success onto the world arena.
Hockey India Announces 3 Lakh Reward For Indian Team
Following the hockey team’s historic win at the Asia Cup Rajgir, Bihar 2025, Hockey India announced INR 3 lakh each to players and INR 1.5 lakh to the support staff, as per a release from Hockey India. The last time they won the Asia Cup was in 2017, in Dhaka.
Speaking about the final, India got off to a rocking start with Sukhjeet Singh scoring for the hosts within 30 seconds of the start of the game. It was a fine assist from captain Harmanpreet Singh which was picked up brilliantly by the forward and powerfully struck a tomahawk past the Korean goalie Jaehan Kim.
There was plenty of action in the opening quarter, with India being awarded a penalty stroke with about six minutes left for the first hooter. This was an opportunity that was created by Mandeep Singh when he was taking a shot on goal when a deliberate stick-check by Korean defender saw them being awarded the stroke. But the opportunity went begging with Jugraj Singh flick being padded away by Jaehan.
The second quarter saw Korea slow down India. Jugraj was also seen being given a green card but young midfielder Rajinder Singh helped India win their first PC in the 19th minute. But a good review by Korea meant that India was denied this chance. After a brief lull in the second quarter with both teams unable to find substantial attack, Dilpreet Singh broke the gridlock when he struck in the 28th minute. It was a long ball by Harmanpreet Singh, received well by Sanjay who lofted it to Dilpreet. He took a brief moment to position himself well enough to find the gaps in-between the goalie’s legs and earned India that much-needed 2-0 lead.
