Finance
India won their fourth Hockey Men’s Asia Cup, defeating South Korea 4-1 in the final in Rajgir, Bihar, on Sunday. The victory is India’s first continental crown in eight years, and it ensures their qualification for next year’s World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands.
The hosts’ goals came from Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh, and Amit Rohidas, with Dilpreet scoring twice. Korea’s Son Dain scored a consolation goal in the fourth quarter, but it was unable to upset India’s domination. Jugraj Singh almost added to the total, but his penalty was saved.
The triumph capped a fantastic campaign for India, who went into the final full of confidence after defeating China 7-0 in the Super 4s.
That win demonstrated their attacking depth: Abhishek scored twice, and Shilanand Lakra, Dilpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, and Sukhjeet Singh also scored.
India remained unbeaten in the competition, with five wins and one draw. India dominated the pool stage, winning three in a row, led by Harmanpreet Singh. In the Super 4s, they extended their winning streak with resounding triumphs against Malaysia (4-1) and China (7-0), before drawing 2-2 with South Korea.
This is India’s fourth Asia Cup victory, following wins in 2003, 2007, and 2017. South Korea is the most successful team in the competition’s history, having won five titles in 1994, 1999, 2009, 2013, and 2022.
After winning a spot in next year’s event in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 14 to 30, 2026, India will aim for a podium result.
Since winning
Source: IANS
