India has started the Asia Cup 2025 with a victory. The host nation defeated China 4-3 in a hard-fought match in their opening encounter of the tournament, which began on August 29 in the historic city of Rajgir, Bihar.
Sports News: Host India began their campaign in the Hockey Asia Cup 2025, which commenced on August 29 in Rajgir, Bihar, with a win. In their first Group A match, the Indian team narrowly defeated China 4-3 in a thrilling contest. All of India's goals came from penalty corners. Captain Harmanpreet Singh delivered a stellar performance, scoring a hat-trick (3 goals), while Jugraj Singh scored one goal.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh Becomes the Hero of India's Victory
Captain Harmanpreet Singh emerged as the architect of the Indian team's victory, scoring three goals to complete a hat-trick. All of his goals were converted from penalty corners. Jugraj Singh netted the fourth goal. Thus, all four of India's goals originated from penalty corners, which completely turned the tide of the match. Harmanpreet's final goal came in the 47th minute of the game, giving Team India a decisive lead and making the score 4-3. With this, India secured a thrilling victory.
The Thrilling Journey of the Match
China adopted an aggressive approach at the start of the match. They put pressure on India in the first quarter and scored a goal to take a 1-0 lead. China's lead did not last long. India made a swift comeback and equalized the score at 1-1. Following this, Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored consecutive goals, putting India in a b position at 3-1.
The third quarter of the match was highly exciting. China displayed aggressive gameplay, scoring two consecutive goals to bring the score to a 3-3 tie. At this point, the match's outcome could have swung either way. In the final quarter, Captain Harmanpreet Singh converted a penalty corner into a goal, giving India a 4-3 lead. China attempted to equalize until the final minute, but the Indian defense and goalkeeper put in excellent performances to secure the win. With this victory, India has earned three points in the Group A standings.
