The Indian hockey team lifted the men’s Asia Cup 2025 trophy ending their long wait of eight years. The hosts defeated defending champions South Korea 4-1 in the Final at the Ragir Sports Complex on Sunday.
This is the fourth Asia Cup title for the Indian hockey team. The last time they won the Asia Cup was in 2017 in Dhaka. India has also become the second-most successful team in Hockey Asia Cup after Korea (five times).
The dominance of Indian Hockey Team
For India, Dilpreet Singh (28′,45′), Sukhjeet Singh (1′) and Amit Rohidas (50′) scored goals in the summit clash.
India got off to a soild start with Sukhjeet Singh scoring within 30 seconds of the start of the game. 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. But it was a missed opportunity as with Jugraj Singh’s flick was padded away by Korean goalie Jaehan Kim.
In the second quarter, Jugraj was seen being given a green card but young midfielder Rajinder Singh helped India win their first PC in the 19th minute. But Korea went for a review and India was denied this chance. After a brief lull in the second quarter with both teams unable to find a substantial attack, Dilpreet Singh broke the gridlock when he struck in the 28th minute and giving India 2-0 lead.
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After half-time, India entered the third quarter with just 10 men on the field as Sanjay had been awarded a green card just seconds before the second hooter. Only three minutes into the third quarter, India won a PC after a Korean foot in the circle. But the decision to award India a PC was overturned by the on-field umpire after Mandeep’s shin hit the ball first before finding the Korean foot. In the 45th minute, it was Dilpreet again who struck a fine goal. He also created a PC which was splendidly converted by Amit Rohidas.
Korea’s sole goal came in the fourth quarter through Son Dain after a good variation in PC.
Cash Reward Announced by Hockey India
Following the continental glory, Hockey India has announced Rs 3 lakh each to players.
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The support staff members of the Indian men’s team will also receive Rs 1.5 lakh each.
Also Read: FIH Hockey Pro League: Pakistan To Make Historic Debut
India qualify for Hockey World Cup
With this win, India have also qualified for the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 in Netherlands and Belgium.
India became the eighth team to earn a direct qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup next year.
Belgium and the Netherlands were the first ones to qualify as hosts, followed by Australia and Spain, who made it through the previous two editions of the FIH Hockey Pro League.
Argentina secured qualification through the Pan American Cup, Germany qualified from the Eurohockey Championship and New Zealand qualified through the Oceania Cup.
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A total of 16 teams will take part in the competition, with seven to be decided through the qualifiers and one team from Africa through the African qualifiers.
