The BRICS TimesIndia ended their eight-year wait for the Asia Cup title with a convincing 4-1 win over Korea in the final on Sunday, September 7. India also sealed their spot in the World Cup 2026 with the win.
India finally broke their eight-year drought in the Asia Cup by defeating Korea 4-1 in the final played at Rajgir on Sunday, September 7. The Indian side displayed outstanding hockey, with Dilpreet Singh netting twice, while Sukhjeet Singh gave the team a perfect start with a goal in the opening minute. Amit Rohidas sealed the victory in the final quarter to hand India their fourth Asia Cup crown.
The last time India had clinched the trophy was in 2017, where they overcame Malaysia in Dhaka. This year, the hosts produced a flawless campaign, remaining unbeaten throughout the competition. Earlier in the day, Malaysia defeated China 4-1 to secure third place, while Japan sealed fifth position after beating Bangladesh.
In their previous clash with Korea during the tournament, India had struggled with basics, conceding under pressure despite taking an early lead. But in the final, the team looked transformed. Right from the first whistle, India pressed with intent, and Harmanpreet Singh’s dazzling run through the midfield created the opening for Sukhjeet to smash home with a reverse hit into the top corner.
Korea tried to bounce back with their aggressive pressing style, often crowding Indian players with three defenders. However, the hosts relied on their stick control and composure to maintain possession. Dilpreet came close in the eighth minute before Korea’s goalkeeper Kim denied him and later saved a penalty stroke from Jugraj Singh. Abhishek also attempted a reverse shot but missed the target. Despite Korea’s pressure, India stood solid in defence and avoided unnecessary errors.
India thought they had their first penalty corner in the 20th minute, but Korea’s referral overturned the decision. The hosts continued forcing their opponents into long-range shots. A brilliant long ball from Harmanpreet set up Sanjay, who assisted Dilpreet for India’s second goal in the 28th minute. Sanjay almost added another himself but his reverse strike missed narrowly.
The second half saw Korea pushing hard and even earning back-to-back penalty corners in the 40th minute, only for Krishan Pathak to make a crucial save. Minutes later, India responded strongly and earned their own set-piece. While Harmanpreet’s attempt was blocked, the attack continued, and Dilpreet scored his second in the 44th minute to make it 3-0.
India extended their advantage in the 50th minute when Amit Rohidas converted another penalty corner, stretching the lead to 4-0. Korea managed to pull one back a minute later through Son Dain after a variation move from a penalty corner. Despite their late flurry, Korea found the Indian defence unbreakable, and the hosts celebrated a long-awaited triumph along with direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Malaysia secured third place as Akhimullah Anuar scored twice in their 4-1 win over China, supported by goals from Syed Cholan and Norsyafiq Sumantri. Despite China’s push in the second half, Malaysia’s goalkeeper Hafizuddin Othman made vital saves, ensuring a podium finish for his team.
Japan also ended the tournament on a high, thrashing Bangladesh 6-1 to claim fifth place. Ryosuke Shinohara’s hat-trick highlighted their dominance, while Koji Yamasaki, Ken Nagayoshi, and Seren Tanaka added to the tally. Bangladesh scored a consolation through Amirul Islam, but Japan’s clinical display left no doubt about their superiority.
