The Indian team has secured its place in the Super-4 of the Asia Cup Hockey 2025 with a stellar performance in the group stage. In the three matches played in Pool A, Team India defeated China, Japan, and Kazakhstan, scoring 22 goals and conceding only 5.
Sports News: The group stage of the Asia Cup Hockey 2025 has now concluded, and the four teams advancing to the Super-4 have been determined. The Indian hockey team not only clinched their Super-4 ticket by winning all their matches in Pool A but also topped the pool, demonstrating that their dominance in Asia remains intact.
India defeated China, Japan, and Kazakhstan in the three matches played in the group stage so far. Notably, in their final match against Kazakhstan, the team registered a historic 15-0 victory. Following this win, India's total goal count in the group stage reached 22, while the team conceded only 5 goals.
Historic 15-0 Victory Against Kazakhstan
In the final Pool A match held on Monday, India completely dominated Kazakhstan. The goal scorers for the team are as follows:
- Abhishek – 4 goals (5th, 8th, 20th, 59th minutes)
- Sukhjeet Singh – Hat-trick (15th, 32nd, 38th minutes)
- Jugraj Singh – Hat-trick (24th, 31st, 47th minutes)
- Harmanpreet Singh – 1 goal (26th minute)
- Amit Rohidas – 1 goal (29th minute)
- Rajinder Singh – 1 goal (32nd minute)
- Sanjay Singh – 1 goal (54th minute)
- Dilpreet Singh – 1 goal (55th minute)
The Indian team's aggressive style and penalty corner conversion gave Kazakhstan no opportunities. Coach Craig Fulton stated that this victory is important for the team's confidence. He believes that synchronizing the strikers and converting opportunities into goals in the Super-4 will be crucial.
India's Next Three Matches in Super-4
In the Super-4, India will face three b Asian teams: South Korea, Malaysia, and China. These encounters will be highly challenging for Team India.
- South Korea: The South Korean team is known for its defensive strength and fast counter-attacks. However, India has an excellent record against Korea. Team India has played a total of 62 matches against them, winning 39. Last year, India defeated South Korea 4-1 in the Asian Champions Trophy.
- Malaysia: Malaysia has scored 23 goals and performed impressively in the group stage so far. India has defeated Malaysia in previous encounters. In the Asian Champions Trophy in September 2024, India beat Malaysia 8-1. This match against Malaysia will again be significant for India in the Super-4.
- China: China made a remarkable comeback in the group stage, eliminating a formidable team like Japan from the Super-4. India defeated China 3-1 in the group stage, but China fought back bly, scoring two goals in the final quarter to give India a tough contest. China's match in the Super-4 will prove challenging for the Indian team.
Indian Team's Strengths
In the group stage, the Indian team not only displayed aggressive play but also showed strength in defense and penalty corner conversion. The team's strikers are in sync, and players like Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, and Rajinder Singh are playing important roles in defense. Coach Craig Fulton mentioned that the level of the Super-4 will be very different from the group stage. The team needs to maintain confidence in penalty corners and further strengthen its defense.
