The Indian men’s hockey team has reached the final of the Hockey Asia Cup 2025, setting up a mouth-watering clash with defending champions Korea on Sunday, September 7. A victory will not only secure India their fourth Asia Cup title but also guarantee a berth at the 2026 Hockey World Cup.
India’s road to the final was not without its struggles. They opened with a shaky 3-2 win over China, where captain Harmanpreet Singh’s hat-trick masked the team’s sluggish start, still carrying scars from a poor Pro League campaign. Gradually, they found rhythm—edging Japan 3-2, thrashing Kazakhstan 15-0, and showing flashes of brilliance in the Super 4s despite a nervy 2-2 draw with Korea and a shaky start against Malaysia.
The turning point came in the rematch against China, where India produced their most dominant display of the tournament—a 7-0 demolition featuring six different goalscorers and a flawless defensive performance, not conceding a single penalty corner.
Korea, meanwhile, have had an inconsistent run. They stumbled in the group stage against Malaysia and later lost 3-0 to China in the Super 4s. But a spirited comeback from 1-3 down against Malaysia in their must-win clash propelled them into the final. Goalkeeper Jaehyon Kim, who made stunning saves in that match, has already declared Korea will be “going for the win” in the final.
India vs Korea: The Numbers
- Matches played: 22
- India wins: 10
- Korea wins: 2
- Draws: 10 (including the recent 2-2 in Super 4s)
Korea’s last victory over India came in the 2021 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final, decided via a shootout.
With India in top form after their emphatic win over China, and Korea showing resilience in tight moments, Sunday’s final in Rajgir promises to be a battle of skill, grit, and nerves—with a World Cup ticket on the line.
