After eight long years, Indian hockey reclaims continental glory and books a berth at the 2026 FIH Men’s World Cup
Rajgir, Bihar | September 8, 2025: The Rajgir Sports Complex roared like never before on Sunday night as the Indian Men’s Hockey Team ended an eight-year-long wait to reclaim the Asia Cup crown, defeating Korea 4-1 in front of a packed home crowd. The victory not only restored India’s supremacy in Asian hockey but also secured their direct qualification for the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 in the Netherlands and Belgium.
The fairytale start came within just 30 seconds of the first whistle. Captain Harmanpreet Singh, with his vision and precision, set up Sukhjeet Singh, who unleashed a thunderous tomahawk strike past Korean goalkeeper Jaehan Kim. The stands erupted in joy, and for Sukhjeet’s parents—watching with pride from Jalandhar—it was a moment of dreams coming true.
“I am very happy that my son scored for India in such a big final. May God bless him and the team,” said an emotional Kuldeep Kaur, Sukhjeet’s mother. His father Ajit Singh added, “It was a brilliant pass from Harmanpreet, and Sukhjeet made it count. The team played like champions.”
The first quarter was high-octane, with India even earning a penalty stroke through Mandeep Singh’s effort, though Jugraj Singh’s flick was denied by Kim. Korea slowed the game in the second quarter, but just when the momentum dipped, Dilpreet Singh struck in the 28th minute with a composed finish through the goalie’s legs, giving India a solid 2-0 cushion.
Dilpreet wasn’t done yet. Returning after half-time, despite India briefly being down to 10 men, he once again showcased his flair in the 45th minute, doubling his tally with smart stickwork after a clever build-up by Harmanpreet and Raj Kumar Pal. The stadium shook with chants of “India, India!” as the scoreboard read 3-0.
By the final quarter, Dilpreet turned provider, creating a penalty corner that Amit Rohidas converted with a fierce drag flick, stretching India’s lead to 4-0. Korea pulled one back through Son Dain after a crafty penalty corner variation, but it was too little, too late.
When the final whistle blew, the players dropped their sticks and embraced one another in sheer relief and ecstasy. For India, this wasn’t just about lifting a trophy—it was about reclaiming lost pride, proving their mettle on home soil, and reigniting the spirit of hockey in front of thousands of fans who turned Rajgir into a fortress of dreams.
The last time India had lifted the Asia Cup was back in 2017 in Dhaka. Now, eight years later, the tricolour once again flew high, carried by the brilliance of Sukhjeet, Dilpreet, Harmanpreet, and the entire squad.
This win will be remembered not only as a triumph of skill but also as a testament to belief, teamwork, and the passion that binds millions of Indians to the game of hockey.