The Indian men's hockey team won the Asia Cup, defeating defending champions South Korea 4-1 in the final on Sunday. With the victory, India ended an eight-year wait to be crowned continental champion and secured a spot at the FIH World Cup 2026.
The scoreline suggested an easy win, but the final was a hard-fought contest. The Indian team, while not displaying the free-flowing game of their previous matches, adapted to a difficult opponent with tactical control. Coach Craig Fulton had stated before the match that his players would "play the game, not the occasion," and they responded accordingly.
India got an early lead when Sukhjeet Singh scored 31 seconds into the match, the team's fastest goal of the competition. Dilpreet Singh then made it 2-0 in the 28th minute. While India had a chance to extend their lead with a penalty stroke, it was saved by Korea's goalkeeper Jaehan Kim.
In the second half, Korea pushed back and earned a series of penalty corners, but India's defense held firm. Dilpreet Singh scored his second goal in the 45th minute, and Amit Rohidas added another from a penalty corner to make the score 4-0. Korea's Dain Son scored a consolation goal a minute later, but the match was already decided.
Speaking after the match, Fulton noted the team's intelligence and ability to adapt. "The team’s super intelligent, so whatever we throw at them, they try, and they do." He also praised their physical fitness, which was tested during the ten-day, seven-game tournament. With the Asia Cup trophy and a World Cup berth secured, the team can now rest before preparing for the next major challenge.
