Asia Cup 2025: India Thrash China 7–0 to Enter Final Against Defending Champions Korea

Rajgir, Sept 2025 : The Indian men’s hockey team stormed into the final of the Men’s Asia Cup Rajgir Bihar 2025 with a resounding 7–0 victory over China in their third Super 4 clash at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium on Saturday. The clinical win has set up a high-stakes final against defending champions Korea on Sunday evening.

India’s goals came through Abhishek (46th, 50th minutes), Shilanand Lakra (4th), Dilpreet Singh (7th), Mandeep Singh (18th), Raj Kumar Pal (37th), and Sukhjeet Singh (39th). From the first whistle, the Men in Blue dominated possession, dictated the tempo, and left China struggling to find any foothold in the game.

A Blistering Start

India signaled their intent early with two quick goals in the first quarter. In the 4th minute, skipper Harmanpreet Singh lofted an aerial pass from the right flank to Jarmanpreet Singh, who controlled it superbly before setting up Shilanand Lakra. Positioned perfectly at the far post, Lakra slotted home India’s opening goal.

Barely three minutes later, India earned their first penalty corner. Although Harmanpreet’s drag-flick was blocked, Dilpreet Singh pounced on the rebound to double India’s lead in the 7th minute. The early advantage gave India confidence and pushed China deeper into their own half.

Relentless Pressure in the Second Quarter

The hosts continued their attacking flair in the second quarter. In the 17th minute, Abhishek threaded a sharp cross into the circle for Mandeep Singh, but the striker narrowly missed the opportunity. Just a minute later, India earned another penalty corner. Harmanpreet’s attempt was blocked again, but Vivek Sagar Prasad’s follow-up shot forced a save, leaving Mandeep Singh to calmly tap in the rebound for India’s third goal in the 18th minute.

With a 3–0 cushion at halftime, India looked firmly in control, both defensively and offensively.

Third-Quarter Dominance

The third quarter saw India pile on further misery for China. In the 37th minute, Shilanand Lakra delivered a precise cross into the circle, which deflected off Dilpreet Singh before reaching Raj Kumar Pal, who finished clinically to make it 4–0.

Just two minutes later, Dilpreet turned provider again, driving along the baseline before squaring the ball to Sukhjeet Singh. With composure and power, Sukhjeet fired in India’s fifth goal in the 39th minute, effectively ending China’s hopes of a comeback.

Final Quarter Flourish

Despite their commanding lead, India showed no signs of easing off. At the start of the fourth quarter, Sukhjeet Singh dazzled with a solo run past multiple Chinese defenders before setting up Abhishek. Spotting the goalkeeper out of position, Abhishek calmly slotted the ball into an empty net in the 46th minute.

With ten minutes left, Abhishek struck again, this time with a spectacular backhand shot that beat the Chinese goalkeeper to seal India’s seventh goal. From defence to attack, India maintained complete control until the final whistle, registering one of their most comprehensive wins in the tournament.

Eyes on the Final

According to a Hockey India press release, India will now face Korea in the final on Sunday, September 7, at 7:30 PM IST. Korea advanced to the title clash after edging past Malaysia 4–3 in the other Super 4 fixture.

Elsewhere in classification matches, Kazakhstan defeated Chinese Taipei 6–4 to secure seventh place.

For India, the commanding victory over China is not just a morale booster but also a statement of intent. With attacking flair, defensive solidity, and clinical finishing, the Men in Blue have put themselves in prime position to reclaim continental glory. All eyes will now be on the showdown against Korea, as India look to lift the coveted Asia Cup trophy in Rajgir.