The Indian men’s hockey team began their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a 4-3 win against the People’s Republic of China at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar on Friday.
For India, seventh in the men’s hockey rankings, captain Harmanpreet Singh (20’, 33’, 47’) scored a hat-trick, while Jugraj Singh (18’) was the other goal scorer. World No. 23 China got their goals from Shihao Du (12’), Benhai Chen (35’) and Jiesheng Gao (41’).
Right from the push back, India were on the front foot as they attacked with pace. China absorbed the early pressure, survived a penalty corner and then started to stitch together a few moves that had India concerned.
The pressure eventually paid off for China as they won a penalty corner of their own and then converted it courtesy of Shihao Du. India tried to mount a comeback quickly and put pressure on China but trailed 1-0 at the end of the first quarter.
India began the second quarter on the attack and three minutes into the period, they won a penalty corner, which Jugraj Singh smashed home to make it 1-1.
Shortly after, India earned another penalty corner and Harmanpreet Singh rifled it home to make it 2-1.
The hosts continued to dominate proceedings and kept China, who created a couple of chances, at arm’s length through the rest of the quarter. At the half-time break, India led 2-1.
India came out of the break looking to attack and skipper Harmanpreet Singh soon made it 3-1 from the first penalty corner of the quarter.
China responded by winning their third penalty corner and Benhai Chen converted to make it 3-2.
For the next few minutes, India and China matched each other move for move with the latter looking dangerous.
With 20 minutes to go in the game, China won a couple of penalty corners and the second resulted in an equaliser from Jiesheng Gao. At the end of the quarter, both sides were locked at 3-3 with the game very much in the balance.
India began the final quarter with intent as they earned a couple more penalty corners early on, allowing Harmanpreet Singh to complete his hat-trick with aplomb and give the hosts a 4-3 lead.
The hosts continued to keep the game in the opposition half of the field, making it tough for China in the final minutes. India eventually held on to their narrow lead to win their opening match of the tournament.
India will play their second Pool A match in the Asia Cup hockey tournament against Japan on Saturday. The top two teams from each group will progress to the Super 4s stage.