Team India were crowned Asia Cup champions after smashing past defending champions South Korea with a 4-1 win to claim their fourth Asia Cup title. After eight long years, India finally lifted the trophy, avenging the defeat they suffered against South Korea a decade ago in the Asia Cup final.
Following a 2-2 draw against the same Korean side, India made a brilliant comeback by thrashing Malaysia 4-1, then China 7-0, and finally sealing the title with Dilpreet Singh’s brace and some brilliant stick work and assists from the entire team.
For India, Sukhjeet Singh (0’), Dilpreet Singh (27’, 44’), and Amit Rohidas (49’) were the scorers, with captain Harmanpreet Singh orchestrating play through his precise passing and assists. The lone goal for Korea came from Dain Son (50’).
The Rajgir Sports Complex Hockey Stadium was overcrowded with fans, as the number of spectators exceeded the stadium’s capacity, with many forced to watch the match while standing. With the loudest cheers Rajgir had ever witnessed, hosts India locked horns with defending champions South Korea.
Just seconds after the match began, Harmanpreet Singh displayed brilliant stick work, dribbling past defenders before passing the ball to Sukhjeet Singh, who hammered home a goal with an impressive reverse shot to open the scoring for India. A few minutes later, India were awarded a penalty stroke after a Korean defender stick-checked Mandeep Singh. Jugraj Singh stepped up to take the stroke but missed the chance.
The first fifteen minutes ended with the hosts in complete domination, highlighted by skipper Harmanpreet Singh’s dazzling stick work, sharp runs, and intelligent dribbling that constantly created chances.
With three minutes left in the first half, Dilpreet doubled India’s lead, making it 2-0. An aerial pass from Harmanpreet Singh was received by Sanjay, who quickly passed it to Dilpreet, and he struck it into the net. Before the final two quarters, India maintained the lead and dominated with 55% possession, not allowing Korea to score.
In the opening minutes of the third quarter, India pressed hard to make circle penetrations, but the Korean defence showed strong determination. However, in the dying minutes of the third quarter, Dilpreet Singh scored another brilliant field goal. Once again, Harmanpreet was involved as he passed the ball to Rajkumar Pal, who quickly turned it towards Dilpreet, and he finished the job in style.
The deciding quarter saw Dilpreet earning a penalty corner, raising the decibel level. A quick trick play was executed by the Indian side. Harmanpreet was on the first battery, and Korea’s first rusher charged towards him, but the ball was brilliantly slipped to Amit Rohidas, who hammered it hard into the net, making the scoreline 4-0. Within a minute, the Korean unit played the same trick and scored their first goal of the match.
A magnificent team effort from the Indian side, Craig Fulton’s men showed their dominance and proved their mettle at the Asian level. Dilpreet Singh was the hero of the match.
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