The Indian men’s hockey team beat South Korea 4-1 in the final to lift the Asia Cup trophy and qualify for next year’s World Cup, in Bihar on Sunday (September 7, 2025).
Dilpreet Singh (28th and 45th minutes) struck a brace, while Sukhjeet Singh (1st minute) and Amit Rohidas (50th) were the other goal getters for India in the summit clash.
India’s Shilanand Lakra, 99, and Abhishek, 5, attempt a goal during a Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025 match between India and Korea, in Rajgir, Bihar, on September 7, 2025.
| Photo Credit:
PTI
South Korea, who were defending the title they had won in 2022, scored their lone goal through Dain Son (51st minute).
India ended the tournament with an unbeaten record — five wins and one draw. The Harmanpreet Singh-led side won all their three pool matches. In the Super 4s, they beat Malaysia and China 4-1 and 7-0, respectively, after playing out a 2-2 draw against South Korea.
This is India’s fourth Asia Cup title, having earlier won the tournament in 2003, 2007 and 2017. South Korea has won the tournament five times — in 1994, 1999, 2009, 2013 and 2022.
The next World Cup will be held in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 14-30, 2026.