India’s men’s hockey team capped off a memorable campaign at the Asia Cup 2025 in Rajgir, Bihar, with a stunning 4-1 win over defending champions South Korea to lift the title for the fourth time. The victory not only cemented India’s status as Asia’s top side but also booked them a spot at the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium. For skipper Harmanpreet Singh, the triumph was about proving themselves worthy of their No.1 ranking and ensuring qualification for next year’s showpiece event. “We came into this tournament as the top side in Asia, and we wanted to live up to that. The start wasn’t ideal, but in the last three matches we raised our level. It showed what we are capable of as a team, and I am proud of how everyone performed,” Harmanpreet said in a Hockey India release. The captain also reflected on the turnaround against Korea, who had held India to a 2-2 draw in the Super 4s. “That draw was a setback, but we wanted to put things right in the final. I was especially pleased with how strong our defence was, while the forwards created and converted chances. Now the focus shifts to the World Cup, and we have a year to prepare,” he added. Head coach Craig Fulton lauded the team’s resilience through the 10-day tournament, pointing to their ability to bounce back from tough moments. “Seven matches in 10 days in these conditions is no small task. The players showed real grit and played like champions. Even when we drew against Korea earlier, we dominated the stats. That performance set us up well for the knockout games,” he said. Looking ahead, Fulton outlined a busy calendar with the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, a tour of South Africa, the Hockey India League and the Pro League, all building towards the World Cup. “We have a year to prepare, but for now, it’s important to enjoy this moment,” he added. The team will now take a short two-week break before assembling at SAI Bengaluru in November to begin preparations for the Sultan Azlan Shah tournament in Malaysia.
