Daijiworld Media Network- Bihar

Bihar, Sep 8: India’s men’s hockey team clinched their fourth Asia Cup title with a commanding 4-1 victory over defending champions South Korea in the final held at Rajgir, Bihar, on Sunday. The triumph also secured India a direct berth in the 2026 FIH World Cup to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team for their “splendid win”, calling it a proud moment for Indian hockey and sports. “This win is even more special because they have defeated the defending champions, South Korea may our players continue to scale greater heights and bring more glory to the nation,” he wrote on X. The Prime Minister also praised Bihar’s successful hosting of the tournament, describing Rajgir as an emerging “vibrant sporting hub.”

India stamped authority early in the final. Sukhjeet Singh opened the scoring, followed by Dilpreet Singh’s double strikes in the 28 and 45 minutes. Amit Rohidas netted in the 50 to make it 4-0 before Korea’s Son Dain pulled one back late in the game.

Union sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya hailed the victory as “outstanding performance” and lauded the team’s consistency throughout the tournament. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also congratulated the squad, calling the win “an extremely joyful and proud moment for the entire country.”

India remained unbeaten across the Asia cup campaign under captain Harmanpreet Singh. They won all three pool games, thrashed Malaysia (4-1) and China (7-0) in the Super 4s, and drew 2-2 with Korea before overcoming them emphatically in the final.

This marks India’s fourth Asia Cup crown, after previous titles in 2003, 2007, and 2017. South Korea, with five championships, remain the most successful team in tournament history.