Rajgir (Bihar) [India], September 8 (ANI): Following his facet’s Asia Cup win and consequent qualification to FIH World Cup 2026, Indian hockey skipper Harmanpreet Singh stated that the group wished to reside as much as expectations because the top-ranked Asian facet and focus is now on capturing the marquee event subsequent yr, which might be their first WC win after over 50 years following their triumph again in 1975 version of the competitors.
Indian Men’s Hockey Team’s memorable outing within the Asia Cup Rajgir, Bihar 2025 the place they created historical past by successful the coveted title for the fourth time has not solely confirmed their dominance in Asia however has put them within the race in the direction of World Cup glory – a qualification they had been gunning for by this event.
Beating the defending champions South Korea 4-1, after a scare in opposition to them in Super 4s the place they drew 2-2, India’s sheer grit and skill to demolish any Asian facet was on show on Sunday, in entrance of passionate hockey followers from the area.
Putting issues in perspective, Captain Harmanpreet Singh stated, as quoted by a Hockey India press launch, ‘All gamers had been very targeted, we knew we wished to win this and instructed ourselves that is the one manner for us to qualify for the World Cup. Coming at the moment, and the event as Asia’s no.1 facet, we wished to reside as much as our personal expectations. Although we did not begin the best way we wished to, the final three matches in particular, we introduced our A sport and that’s the customary of our efficiency. It reinstated what we are able to do as a group. I’m very pleased with how we carried out.’
Speaking concerning the group’s outing in opposition to Korea in particular, the ace dragflicker stated, ‘Every match has its learnings, the 2-2 draw in opposition to Korea was a setback we wished to beat, and we turned it round within the remaining. I’d notably spotlight the defence of the group. Each one of many gamers contributed to stable defence. Our forwards, created sufficient alternatives and transformed the objectives. Next, after all, our focus is on the World Cup and now we have a yr to organize.’
Chief Coach Craig Fulton additionally spoke of the group’s resilience that stood tall all through the 10-day marquee occasion. ‘Playing seven video games in 10 days in heat situations isn’t straightforward. It’s actually powerful, however I’m tremendous pleased with the group, and so they have really performed like champions. Even although we drew the Korea sport in Super 4s, we had tripled on the stats in comparison with them, however we could not end on that night time. But that set us up for the ultimate, we performed the Malaysia sport prefer it was the quarterfinal and the China sport because the semis, and that sport actually confirmed us what we are able to do,’ defined an elated Craig Fulton.
Speaking concerning the subsequent steps for the group, main as much as the season subsequent yr which is able to function two of the most important sporting extravaganza – The Asian Games in Japan and the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup in Netherlands and Belgium. ‘There is the Sultan Azlan Shah event, the South Africa tour after which the Hockey India League earlier than the Pro League season begins in early 2026. We have one yr to organize effectively for the World Cup however for now, will let this win sink in,’ Fulton added.
The Indian Team shall be on a two-week break earlier than they return to SAI, Bengaluru for the camp forward of Sultan Azlan Shah Tournament in Malaysia, which is able to happen in November. (ANI)