India clinch hockey Asia Cup title after eight years with 4-1 win against South Korea

Indian men's hockey team on Sunday beat South Korea 4-1 in Rajgir, Bihar to become the Asia Cup champions and qualify for the next year's World Cup.

India was led by Dilpreet Singh, who scored in the 28th and 45th minutes. Sukhjeet Singh opened the scorecard in the first minute, while Amit Rohidas helped India extend the lead in the 50th minute. Meanwhile, defending champions South Korea got their only goal through Dain Son in the 51st minute.

India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, with five wins and a 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.

With the triumph, India now have four Asia Cup titles. They had previously won in 2003, 2007 and 2017. South Korea have 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