~ The stalwart dragflicker recommended his workforce’s efforts in defence that led to a commanding 4-1 win in opposition to defending champions Korea ~
Rajgir (Bihar), eighth September 2025: Indian Males’s Hockey Group’s memorable outing within the Hero Asia Cup Rajgir, Bihar 2025 the place they created historical past by successful the coveted title for the fourth time has not solely confirmed their dominance in Asia however has put them within the race in the direction of World Cup glory – a qualification they have been gunning for by this event.
Beating the defending champions Korea 4-1, after a scare in opposition to them in Tremendous 4s the place they drew 2-2, India’s sheer grit and talent to demolish any Asian aspect was on show on Sunday, in entrance of passionate hockey followers from the area.
Placing issues in perspective, Captain Harmanpreet Singh stated, “All gamers have been very centered, we knew we wished to win this and instructed ourselves that is the one manner for us to qualify for the World Cup. Coming as we speak the event as Asia’s no.1 aspect, we wished to stay as much as our personal expectations. Though we didn’t begin the way in which we wished to, the final three matches in particular, we introduced our A sport and that’s the customary of our efficiency. It reinstated what we will do as a workforce. I’m very pleased with how we carried out.”
Talking concerning the workforce’s outing in opposition to Korea in particular, the ace dragflicker stated, “Each match has it’s learnings, the 2-2 draw in opposition to Korea was a setback we wished to beat and we turned it round within the ultimate. I’d notably spotlight the defence of the workforce. Every one of many gamers contributed to strong defence. Our forwards, created sufficient alternatives and transformed the objectives. Subsequent after all, our focus is on the World Cup and we have now a yr to organize.”
Chief Coach Craig Fulton too spoke of the workforce’s resilience that stood tall all through the 10-day marquee occasion. “Taking part in seven video games in 10 days in heat circumstances is just not simple. It’s actually powerful however I’m tremendous pleased with the workforce they usually have really performed like champions. Though we drew the Korea sport in Tremendous 4s, we had tripled on the stats in comparison with them however we couldn’t end on that night time. However that set us up for the ultimate, we performed the Malaysia sport prefer it was the quarterfinal and the China sport because the semis and that sport actually confirmed us what we will do,” defined an elated Craig Fulton.
Talking concerning the subsequent steps for the workforce, main as much as the season subsequent yr which can function two of the most important sporting extravaganza – The Asian Video games in Japan and the FIH Males’s Hockey World Cup in Netherlands and Belgium. “There’s Sultan Azlan Shah event, the South Africa tour after which the Hockey India League earlier than the Professional League season begins in early 2026. We’ve one yr to organize effectively for the World Cup however for now, will let this win sink in,” Fulton added.
The Indian Group shall be on a two-week break earlier than they return to SAI, Bengaluru for the camp forward of Sultan Azlan Shah Event in Malaysia.
