India Defeats Korea by 4-1 to Win Fourth Hockey Asia Cup Title
India scripted history in Rajgir on Sunday, lifting their fourth Hockey Asia Cup title with a commanding 4-1 win over defending champions South Korea. The victory not only brought home continental glory but also ensured a direct spot in the 2026 FIH World Cup, to be jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands.
The final, played at the Bihar Sports University Hockey Stadium, saw India dominate right from the whistle. Within just 30 seconds, Sukhjeet Singh opened the scoring with a superb reverse hit set up by skipper Harmanpreet Singh’s brilliant play from the left flank.
India’s relentless attack soon paid off again when Dilpreet Singh struck in the 28th minute, doubling the lead before half-time. The Koreans, who looked content sitting deep and defending, struggled to match India’s attacking intensity.
The second half saw more fireworks from the Indian forward line. In the 45th minute, Dilpreet scored his second goal of the evening, showcasing great finishing skills off Raj Kumar Pal’s assist. Moments later, Amit Rohidas converted a penalty corner in the 50th minute to extend India’s lead to 4-0, leaving the home crowd in raptures. Korea managed to pull one back through Son in the 51st minute, but it proved only a consolation as India’s defence stood firm to seal the win.
With this title, India has now become the second-most successful team in the Asia Cup with four titles (2003, 2007, 2017, and 2025), just behind Korea’s five. This was India’s first Asia Cup crown in eight years, reaffirming their position as a powerhouse in Asian hockey.
The match also highlighted the flawless coordination between India’s defence, midfield, and attack. While the forwards dazzled with their finishing, the defenders and the goalkeeper denied Korea any real chance of a comeback.
Elsewhere in the tournament, Malaysia secured third place by defeating China 3-0, with Akhimullah Anuar emerging as the tournament’s highest scorer with 12 goals. Japan clinched the fifth spot with a convincing 6-1 win over Bangladesh.
For India, the triumph in Rajgir is more than just a trophy. It’s a reminder of their rising dominance in Asian hockey and a perfect momentum-builder as they prepare for the FIH World Cup 2026.
