(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
India Wins Gold at 2025 Hero Men’s Asia Cup, Qualifies for FIH Hockey World Cup 2026
The 2025 Hero Men’s Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar concluded with India defeating Korea in the final, securing the gold medal and a spot in the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026.
The tournament began on 29 August with a pool stage. India dominated Pool A, winning all three matches, followed by China and Japan. In Pool B, Malaysia matched India’s record, finishing first, with Korea in second place. The top two teams from each pool—India, China, Malaysia, and Korea—advanced to the Super 4 stage.
In the Super 4s, India finished top of the standings with wins over Malaysia and China and a draw against Korea, while Korea secured second place. Both teams advanced to the final, while Malaysia and China played for bronze.
In the bronze medal match, Malaysia defeated China 4-1, with Norsyafiq Sumantri, Akhimullah, and Syed Cholan scoring key goals.
The final saw India take control early, scoring twice in the first half. Forward Dilpreet Singh starred, scoring twice and winning a penalty corner converted by Amit Rohidas. Korea scored once through a penalty corner by Dain Son, but India claimed a 4-1 victory. Dilpreet Singh was named Player of the Match, saying, “Winning the Asia Cup was crucial, and qualifying for the World Cup was our biggest target. We are thrilled to have achieved both.”
With this win, India becomes the eighth team to qualify for the Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, joining hosts Belgium and Netherlands, as well as Australia, Spain, Argentina, Germany, and New Zealand. The remaining teams will qualify through continental championships and FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in 2026.
