India made a winning start by defeating China 4-3 in a thrilling match in the opening match of the Men’s Asia Cup Hockey 2025. In this match played at the International Sports Complex in Rajgir, Bihar, India started with a win in Pool A.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh performed brilliantly and scored three goals. He took charge of the team with his hat-trick (20′, 33′, 47′). Apart from this, Jugraj Singh increased India’s score by scoring a goal in the 18th minute. Du Shihao (12′), Chen Benhai (35′) and Gao Jisheng (41′) scored goals for China.
China, which took a 1-0 lead in the first quarter, collapsed in front of India’s attack at the start of the second quarter. India reacted quickly and scored two goals in two minutes to take a 2-1 lead. In the third quarter, India had taken a 3-1 lead, however China immediately scored two goals to bring the match to 3-3. In the last quarter, Harmanpreet scored another penalty corner goal to give the team a decisive lead.
According to the report, India dominated the field with 53% ball control, 16 circle penetrations and 10 shots, while China fell short in these figures. Ball control and aggression helped India gain the lead in the match.
This competition is being organized in Rajgir from 29 August to 7 September 2025. The winner will get direct entry into the 2026 Hockey World Cup. This is the 12th Asia Cup, in which India, Japan, China, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Korea, Bangladesh and Chinese Taipei are participating. India has been placed in Pool A along with Japan, Kazakhstan and China.
By winning the first match of the group stage, India reminded of its dominance in hockey in Asia. In the previous matches, India has won the match for the 19th time, showing its regional superiority with China.
