India’s men’s hockey team ended an eight-year title drought by defeating defending champions Korea 4–1 in the final of the Asia Cup 2025 on Sunday, securing a direct berth in the FIH World Cup 2026 to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands.
The match began with a bang as Sukhjeet Singh scored India’s fastest goal of the tournament just 31 seconds into play, courtesy of a reverse shot off Harmanpreet Singh’s pass. Dilpreet Singh added two more goals, while Amit Rohidas sealed the win with a powerful penalty corner strike in the final quarter.
Though Korea fought back with intensity and earned several penalty corners, India’s defense held firm. The team’s tactical discipline, midfield rotation, and composure under pressure were key to neutralizing Korea’s flank-based strategy.
Coach Craig Fulton praised the squad’s intelligence and adaptability, noting that the team focused on execution rather than occasion. The win follows India’s dominant performance against China in the semifinals and marks a significant milestone ahead of the Asian Games 2026.
