India Reclaims Asia Cup Hockey Title After 8 Years, PM Modi and Sports Icons Celebrate

India defeats defending champions South Korea 4-1 in Rajgir, lifts Asia Cup after 8 years, and secures direct entry to 2026 Hockey World Cup

Rajgir, Bihar | September 8, 2025: The cheers from Rajgir echoed across the nation on Sunday as the Indian men’s hockey team produced a scintillating performance to defeat defending champions South Korea 4-1 in the Asia Cup 2025 final, ending an eight-year-long wait for continental glory.

The emphatic win, powered by goals from Sukhjeet Singh (1’), Dilpreet Singh (28’, 45’), and Amit Rohidas (50’), not only brought home the Asia Cup title but also sealed India’s direct qualification to the 2026 Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Soon after the historic win, congratulatory messages poured in from across the country, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the chorus of pride.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi wrote:
“Congratulations to our Men’s Hockey Team for their splendid win in the Asia Cup 2025 held in Rajgir, Bihar. This win is even more special because they have defeated the defending champions, South Korea! This is a proud moment for Indian hockey and Indian sports. May our players continue to scale even greater heights and bring more glory to the nation!”

The celebratory mood extended beyond the hockey fraternity. Gautam Gambhir, India’s cricket team head coach and former World Cup-winning cricketer, hailed the team’s brilliance, posting simply but powerfully: “Well done boys! Sensational!”

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya too shared his delight, writing:
“Outstanding Performance! Hearty congratulations to the Indian Hockey Team for defeating Korea 4-1 in the final of the Asia Cup Hockey held in Rajgir, Bihar, and winning the champion’s title. You all have set an example of excellent play throughout the Asia Cup; heartfelt best wishes to everyone.”

The victory sparked scenes of unbridled joy across the Rajgir Sports Complex, where thousands of fans witnessed India dismantle Korea with pace, precision, and flair. From Sukhjeet Singh’s thunderous tomahawk strike within the first minute to Dilpreet Singh’s double and Rohidas’ clinical finish, every goal brought the crowd to its feet.

In recognition of this monumental achievement, Hockey India announced a reward of ₹3 lakh for each player and ₹1.5 lakh for every member of the support staff.

The last time India lifted the Asia Cup was in 2017 in Dhaka. Eight years later, the tricolour once again soared high, carried by a team that combined youth, skill, and unshakable determination.

This win is more than just silverware—it is a resurgence of Indian hockey’s spirit and a proud moment etched in the country’s sporting history.