The Indian male hockey team made three victories out of three when they completed the Asian Cup Hockey Cup with a complex 15-0 victory over Kazakhstan on Monday 1 September. Were finally able to click in advanceWith Abhishek scoring four, Sukhjeet Singh counted three and Jugraj Singh also packed a trick with a hat trick.
A lot was said about the Indian team that comes to the competition because 2025 was not gone to the best starts. India had an unforgettable year 2024, where they secured the Olympic bronze medal, won the Asian trophy of champions, and then the players also took part in the rebranding hockey league. The expectations were high this year and fans went to the European foot for League hope that the team could end between the first three or even in the first position.
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What followed, however, had everyone questioned the team and whether they could get to the World Championship next year. Seven losses from eight games put pressure firmly on coach of Craig Fulton and his players, while the Asia Cup was their last chance to qualify for a tournament in Belgium and the Netherlands in 2026.
So far, the Asia Cup has been brilliant for hosts because their performance has been constantly improving since the first game. While the victory against China was not convincing enough, India presented a more controlled display against Japan, although the score reads 3-2.
Against Kazakhstan, who were already outside the Super 4S race, India bent muscles and finally found a groove forward.
Now, however, the slate was cleared clean, with India ready to face Malaysia, advocates Korea champion and China again in the Super 4 phase.
Manpreet Singh, after Kazakhstan’s victory, summed up the best thing to say that the team would have to maintain its intensity and convert chances.
“All three Super 4S matches are very important because it’s like a knockout phase, so you have to give 100 % 100 % in every match. And whatever team comes, we’ll analyze and go. Because I think all three teams are good – China, Malaysia, Korea.
Consistency is key
Coach Fulton stressed before the start of the competition that he wanted to see the consistency on his part in all aspects. However, one of the areas that would like to see improvement is field goals.
While Kazakhstan has strengthened India’s overall statistics – 10 of which from field targets and computers – came against the party that was already out on their way when she admitted 20 before the match on Monday.
At the end of the pool phase, Malaysia leads a way in terms of targets that were scored with 23, of which 20 were in the field. China, which is on an impressive run, found in its three matches the right balance between the PCS and the targets in the field, scored 10 targets in the field and 8 PC.
Like Abhishek and Sukhjeet, they were alive in the attack and created chances, but their rhythm looked in the first two games.
While they behaved well against Kazakhstan, it is now a challenge to maintain this level of consistency and do not rely too strongly on the PC. Which brings us to another point.
Sugplententent on HarmanPreet?
Harmanpreet is not just an Indian captain, but at the moment is probably one of the best dragflickers in the world. The competition started with a hat trick and found the net twice in victory over Japan.
Kazakhstan was a rare day for the Indian captain because he scored only one of the PCs. However, the Indian dependence on their captain is obvious. In India, Kazakhstan is heading and scored a total of seven goals, five of which came from Harmanpreet.
It may be a first -class Dragflicker, but the burden must be carefully managed. The Kazakhstan match saw Jugraj, Amit Rohidas and Sanjay to get out with the PC’s goals while the captain was rest.
While Manpreet reiterated that the burden was not fully up to the captain, he also stressed that Harmanpreet was their main weapon, especially in tight games.
“It’s not like a full load is up to Harman. But he’s definitely a captain, he has good experience, it’s a very good flashing, so the more we use it, it’s good for us.
That was something that Sukhjeet Singh mentioned while talking after the match on Monday.
“For us, our captain scoring the goal is leading the team. For us, we are creating more computers and our flashing world level and taking the team forward,” Sukhjeet said.
One of the best ways to alleviate this burden will use Jugraj more and distribute responsibility between him and Harmanpreet. China did it well, with Shihao du, Benhai Chen and Jieseheng Gao, who are all looking for a net.
Jugraj already has four goals, only two shy captain. The use of young Dragflicker will be more important in the upcoming matches.
Focus on discipline
Another remarkable factor is the number of cards collected by Indian players during the pool phase. Although it has not hurt them yet, India has lifted 5 green cards and two yellow cards in three games.
This is the highest of all teams that have reached Super 4S. Only Kazakhstan connects the Indian sum of two yellow cards. The discipline will be crucial at the end of the competition, as a small error in judgment may be expensive.
India cannot afford such errors at this stage, with the World Cup qualification hanging in balance.
– ends
Published on:
September 2, 2025
