The Indian men’s hockey team capped a triumphant season by lifting the 2025 Asia Cup with a 4-1 win over South Korea on Sept 7, sealing their fourth continental title and a direct berth at the 2026 World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Goals from Dilpreet Singh (2), Sukhjeet Singh, and Amit Rohidas ensured India’s dominance, but under coach Craig Fulton, the team’s ambitions stretch far beyond Asia: reclaiming the World Cup crown after 50 years.
When Fulton took charge following India’s ninth-place finish at the 2023 World Cup, the team was struggling with inconsistency and confidence.
The South African brought with him tactical sharpness honed in Belgium’s golden era and the ability to unify a culturally diverse squad. Since then, India have remained unbeaten against Asian rivals, claiming the Asian Games, Asian Champions Trophy, and now the Asia Cup.
Fulton’s formula is simple yet effective: resilience, quick transitions, and smart rotations. His influence was evident at the Asia Cup, played in Rajgir, Bihar, where India stayed calm under pressure and adapted seamlessly to different opponents.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh remains the linchpin. His drag-flicks turned the tide against China and Japan in the group stages, and his defensive leadership, particularly his aerial passes, were pivotal in the final.
Yet his influence highlights a challenge: India’s dependence on him. Earlier this year, during the Pro League, his injury absence coincided with a series of defeats.
Up front, Sukhjeet Singh’s consistency stood out. His six goals, coupled with incisive link-ups with Dilpreet and Abhishek Nain, gave India an edge in attack.
Dilpreet’s brace in the final was the perfect example of India’s forwards stepping up when it mattered most.
Meanwhile, the midfield trio of Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, and Vivek Sagar Prasad combined experience and creativity, providing a balance India can rely on heading into the World Cup.
Despite the triumph, weaknesses remain. The lack of depth in defence is a concern. Jugraj Singh and Sanjay Rana have yet to cement their places with consistent performances, and against top European and Australian sides, lapses at the back could prove costly.
Penalty corner conversion also needs variety — Jugraj Singh’s missed stroke in the final underlined the need for multiple specialists, not just reliance on Harmanpreet.
With World Cup qualification secured, India now has the luxury of 11 months of uninterrupted preparation. Fulton has outlined plans to build defensive depth, with the Junior World Cup and the Hockey India League offering opportunities to scout new talent.
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey has emphasised performance-based selection, opening the door for juniors who impress in upcoming tournaments.
For veterans like Manpreet, the Asia Cup win is a confidence booster. “This title gives us belief that we can win the World Cup after 50 years,” he said. For younger players, it is validation that they can thrive in pressure situations.
India has conquered Asia; the next challenge is converting that dominance into global success. With Fulton’s guidance, a settled midfield, and a year to strengthen the defence, the dream of recreating the glory of 1975 no longer feels out of reach.
