India showcased endurance as they beat Malaysia with a convincing 4-1 comeback in their second Super 4 round clash at the Men’s Asia Cup hockey 2025 in Rajgir. After a disappointing draw against South Korea in the first match of the stage, the hosts registered the win on Thursday in style.
Having faced an early setback in the first quarter, the hosts bounced back and took control over the game till last. Manpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, and Vivek Sagar Prasad scored one goal each.
Malaysia took an early lead in just the second minute through Shafiq Hassan. Exploiting a lapse in India’s defence, Hassan weaved past Sanjay and Jugraj Singh before slotting home with a clever reverse stick finish.
India, however, made a comeback with an equaliser in the 17th minute, when Manpreet Singh scored off a rebound from a penalty corner, following a powerful flick by captain Harmanpreet Singh that was blocked by goalkeeper Hafizuddin Othman.
Just two minutes later, Sukhjeet Singh capitalised on a clever pass from Shilanand Lakra to put India ahead. The hosts extended their lead in the 24th minute through Lakra himself, who deflected in a sharp ball from Dilpreet Singh after a well-constructed build-up initiated by Hardik Singh.
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India’s final goal came in the 38th minute. After Jugraj Singh’s penalty corner attempt struck the post, Sumit regained possession and fed Manpreet, who found Vivek Sagar Prasad for a close-range finish.
India Look To Overcome China To Reach Final
With this win, India now tops the Super 4 group with four points from two matches and keeps them firmly on course for a spot in Sunday’s final.
The Super 4 round features India, South Korea, Malaysia and China. China stunned defending champion Korea 3-0 in a Super 4 clash, maintaining their chances of finishing in the top two and reaching the final.
India will now face China in their final Super 4s match on Saturday. A draw will be enough to seal their place in the final.
Also Read: Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025: How To Get Free Tickets
Hockey Asia Cup: Super 4 Standings
| Pos | Team | Played | Win | Draw | Loss | GF | GA | GD | Points |
| 1 | India | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 3 | +3 | 4 |
| 2 | Malaysia | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 3 |
| 3 | China | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 3 |
| 4 | Korea | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 1 |
India vs. China Head-to-Head Record
- Total Matches: 24
- India Wins: 18
- China Wins: 3
- Draws: 3
China’s wins
- 2006 Doha Asian Games: China beat India 3‑2.
- 2008 Perth 4‑Nation Event: China won 2‑1.
- 2013 Asian Champions Trophy (Kakamigahara, Japan): China defeated India 2‑0.
Draws
- 2009 Asia Cup (2‑2)
- 2010 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup (1‑1)
- 2008 Darwin 4‑Nation Event (4‑4)
