Hockey Asia Cup 2025: India crowned champions after beating South Korea 4-1 in sensational final
Team India win Asia Cup title for a fourth time
The Indian men’s hockey team delivered a commanding performacne in the final of the Hockey Asia Cup 2025 to beat the formidable South Korea 4-1 and clinch their fourth title in the competition’s history (2003, 2007, 2017 and 2025).
The Men in Blue, who were the favourites with the best Indian betting sites, made the perfect start to the match at the Rajgir Sports Complex on Sunday, with Sukhjeet Singh giving them a lead inside the first minute of the match.
Dilpreet Singh then extended their advantage just before the half-hour mark and doubled his tally in the 45th minute before Amit Rohidas took the side out of sight with their fourth goal of the match just five minutes later.
Son Dain pulled one back for South Korea in the 51st minute, but it was too little too late, as they were made to pay for their missed opportunities earlier in the game and could do nothing to deny India the title despite a spirited effort in the closing stages of the match.
Earlier in the competition, Craig Fulton’s India team came through the group stage with a perfect three wins from three matches. They then drew with Korea 2-2 and beat Malaysia (4-1) and China (7-0) respectively in the Super 4s.
In the third-place matchup, Malaysia downed China 3-0, while Japan overcame Bangladesh 6-1 to clinch fifth spot. Akhimullah Anuar of Malaysia finished as the highest scorer at the Hockey Asia Cup 2025 with 12 goals.
India qualify for FIH Hockey World Cup 2026
Dilpreet Singh’s incredible performance against Korea in the final of the Hockey Asia Cup 2025 earned him the Player of the Match award. Following the victory, the Indian hockey star mentioned in his post-match press conference:
“Winning the Asia Cup was really important for us. It’s been 8 years since India won the trophy so it was time to bring it home. But the biggest target was qualifying for the World Cup by winning this event, so we are really happy that we achieved that target.”
Indeed, India’s Asia Cup triumph not only ended their eight-year wait for the title but also earned them direct qualification to the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, which will be held in the Netherlands next year.
India are now the eighth confirmed entrant for the World Cup, following Australia, Spain, Germany, Argentina, New Zealand and joint tournament hosts Belgium and the Netherlands.
