The Indian men’s hockey team beat South Korea 4-1 in the final to lift the Asia Cup trophy and qualify for next year’s World Cup, in Bihar on Sunday (September 7).
India ended an eight-year wait to be crowned the continental champion, winning 4-1 against defending champion Korea in the final of the Asia Cup and securing a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
For India, Sukhjeet, who finished with six goals to his name, scored the opener in the very first minute. Dilpreet Singh doubled the lead in the 28th minute before scoring the third in the 45th. With 10 minutes left in the match, Amit Rohidas scored the fourth from a penalty corner.
South Korea, however, didn’t go down without a fight and earned a PC in the next minute and Dain Son scored off it to grab a consolation goal. They won another PC with about three minutes left but Rohidas rushed out in time to block the shot with his stick and help India continue their domination in Asia.
“The team’s super intelligent, so whatever we throw at them, they try, and they do. And then we do a lot of homework on the opposition and more on ourselves than others. But then, when we commit to doing something, they do it well. So that’s what I like,” said coach Craig Fulton.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian Men’s Hockey Team for their splendid win in the Asia Cup 2025 held in Rajgir, Bihar. “This win is even more special because they have defeated the defending champions, South Korea,” Modi posted on X.
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He stated, “This is a proud moment for Indian hockey and Indian sports. May our players continue to scale even greater heights and bring more glory to the nation!”
