Asia Cup Hockey 2025: India crowned champions, earn direct entry for World Cup

Hosts India dethroned champions South Korea 4-1 in the Asia Cup Hockey final at Rajgir Sports Complex Stadium in Bihar on Sunday to earn a direct entry in to next year's FIH World Cup to be jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands from August 14 to 30.

With four titles in their bag, the Indian Hockey Team have become the second-most successful team in the continental championship behind five-time champions South Korea.

Dilpreet Singh (28th and 45th minutes) struck a brace while Sukhjeet Singh (1st minute) and Amit Rohidas (50th) were the other scorers for India in the summit clash.

South Korea, who were defending the title they had won in 2022, scored their lone goal through Dain Son (51st minute).

India were on the ball from the start and looked determined. The co-ordination between the defence, midfield and forward line was a treat to watch as they penetrated the rival circle frequently.

The Koreans, on the other hand, preferred to defend, which was not the best of idea against an attacking home side.

India maintained a clean slate in the tournament with 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 have won the tournament five times -- in 1994, 1999, 2009, 2013 and 2022.

India had last won the title in 2017 in Dhaka following successes in the 2003 (Kuala Lumpur) and 2007 (Chennai) editions of the continental tournament.

India had produced a ruthless performance to thrash China 7-0 in the final Super 4 match to storm into the final whereas the five-time winners South Korea rallied to stun Malaysia 4-3 in the other Super 4's thriller.

Malaysia finish third

Earlier, Malaysia edged out China 4-3 in the third-place play-off match while Japan thrashed Bangladesh 6-1 to clinch the fifth place.

India had been consistent throughout the tournament as they topped topped the Super 4s standings with seven points ahead of defending champions Korea, who were second with four points.

India, currently ranked ninth in the world, came into the tournament after a disappointing FIH Hockey Pro League European Leg. However, they delivered when it mattered most to clinch a place in the quadrennial extravaganza.

(with inputs from agencies/Hockey India Media)