Asian Games: Clinical India posted an 8-2 record vs. Korea and remained undefeated
India maintained their perfect start to the men’s hockey competition at the 2026 Asian Games, securing an emphatic 8-2 victory over South Korea at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Kakamigahara on Thursday. This was the biggest margin by which India defeated Korea in hockey at the Asian Games.
India’s attack made the most of a disjointed Korean defence, creating plenty of openings and racing with commanding dominance before South Korea found some rhythm late in the match. Kim Jae-Ho and Kim Yong Bok scored in the final two quarters to give the Koreans some respite, with the latter producing a brilliant individual effort for his side’s second goal.
Asian Games, September 24 update
Craig Fulton’s men previously swept Indonesia 13-1 and Sri Lanka 16-1 and remain unbeaten after three pool matches. Group A still has Japan and Bangladesh to play.
India needed just four minutes to break the deadlock. After the defense dealt with the Korean counter-attack, Abhishek controlled a long lead and set the move in motion. Shilanand Lakra pounced on the opportunity from close range and found the net from a difficult angle.
South Korea struggled to cope with India’s pressure and conceded again in the 10th minute. Dilpreet Singh appeared to complete the move but the goal was officially awarded to Sukhjeet Singh.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh then won a penalty corner in the 11th minute and made no mistake in the ensuing drag. He sent the ball to the keeper’s left, leaving the defender standing on the line with little chance of keeping it.
India continued to expose gaps at the back. Abhishek was given time to turn Shilanand Lakra’s clever cross into the goal despite having two Korean defenders nearby.
Mandeep Singh created another opening for India in the 26th minute when he curled an accurate backhand cross from the left baseline to an unmarked Dilpreet at the far post. A simple touch was enough for the striker to extend the lead.
Dilpreet then added another with a powerful tomahawk as India repeatedly cut through the struggling Korean defence.
The Indians flooded the attacking circle with five players in the 38th minute after South Korea broke through in a row. Abhishek used the numerical advantage, who calmly directed the ball into the net to make it 7:0.
South Korea finally got on the scoresheet in the 42nd minute when Kim Jae-Ho’s effort hit the inside of the post before finding its way past goalkeeper Suraj Karkera.
Kim Yong Bok then created the pinnacle of the Korean duel. He burst past Jarmanpreet Singh before unleashing a ferocious strike that beat Mohith HS in the 52nd minute.
However, India had the final say as Rajinder Singh found the net from the top of the circle in the closing stages to complete an 8-2 victory.
The result leaves India at the top of Group A with nine points from three matches. South Korea have six points from as many games, while Japan also have six points from two games and face Indonesia on Thursday.
Malaysia currently leads Group B with nine points from three matches. Pakistan and China are next with six points, both having played two matches.
India will face Japan on Saturday. The top two teams from each pool advance to the semifinals of the men’s hockey competition.
– The end
Published on:
24 Sep 2026 13:57 IST