Fiercer than ever: Improved India stamp authority with sound thrashing of China, issue warning to title-holders Korea

Ever since the weather in Rajgir has been slightly less forgiving than in the first week of the Asia Cup, India’s game and fortunes too have turned. Playing with the dominance that everyone predicted but remained missing in the pool stage, India made a statement by thrashing China 7-0 on Saturday to break open the door to the final, where they will face defending champions South Korea for the title and a ticket to the World Cup.

“I told you, give us till Monday and we will be back,” said coach Craig Fulton with a touch of swag that you normally don’t associate with his workhorse-like character.

Hosts grow stronger as tournament rolls on

On Saturday, China were not even a shadow of how they tested India in the pool stage, when the visitors lost 3-4. But that was the first game of the tournament for both the teams, and India had landed from the chilling Perth weather straight into the heat and humidity of Rajgir. It took time for them to acclimatise, which also showed in the laborious 2-3 win over Japan and the 2-2 draw against Korea in the first ‘Super 4s’ game.

But as the tournament shifted to late evenings and rain became a regular visitor, India came into their own.

“That was then. This is now. We’ve taken steps in the right direction since that game (pool match vs China). It showed against Malaysia and it showed again tonight. We are in a good space,” said Fulton, who was quick to remind of the emphatic 4-1 win over Malaysia in India’s previous match.

As the ‘Super 4s’ stage concluded at the Rajgir Sports Complex, India stood on top of the standings with 7 points from a draw and two wins. Korea, who came from 1-3 down against Malaysia in the other ‘Super 4s’ match on the tournament’s penultimate day, ended up in the second position with four points. China and Malaysia will contest the third-place playoff.

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡, 𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬!🔥

Here are the highlights of India’s stellar Super 4s victory over China at the Hero Asia Cup Rajgir, Bihar 2025.#HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame #HumseHaiHockey #HeroAsiaCupRajgir | @CMO_Odisha @sports_odisha… pic.twitter.com/Hag62y9Tpr

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) September 6, 2025

India don’t let China breathe

It was non-stop action for the 4,000-odd fans who enjoyed every Indian move and the goal-fest the game produced. The forward-to-forward connection, which India’s assistant coach Shivendra Singh highlighted after the win over Malaysia, was once again the feature of India’s game, with Shilanand Lakra having an outstanding match.

Abhishek made a comeback after a couple of forgettable outings, scoring India’s last two goals (46th & 50th minutes) – first set up by Sukhjeet after umpire played advantage inside the circle and then, when a lucky deflection off Lakra’s stick from D-top found him unmarked about three metres from the goal.

But it was a lovely aerial from Harmanpreet Singh that led to the game’s first goal in the fourth minute. The skipper’s diagonal ball was well controlled by Jarmanpreet Singh inside the circle. Aware of the space Lakra had created, Jarmanpreet released the ball for him to put India 1-0 ahead.

Notably, the rub of the green has also started favouring India in the last two matches, with ricochets finding Indian players in scoring positions. In another such instance, off India’s first penalty corner in the seventh minute, Harmanpreet’s drag-flick was blocked and the ball rebounded to Dilpreet who slotted it in with reverse push.

India’s midfield play and its coordination with the forwards kept the pressure on China, which led to another penalty corner and another rebound, which gave Mandeep Singh the chance to add to India’s lead in the 18th minute, after Vivek Sagar Prasad collected the ball and sent it to veteran Indian striker. It was 3-0 at half-time.

𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭!💥

Shilanand Lakra takes home the Hero of the Match award after a commanding performance for India. 🏑#HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame #HumseHaiHockey #HeroAsiaCupRajgir pic.twitter.com/0zgFo3HJ70

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) September 6, 2025

India peppered the Chinese half with razor-sharp attacks in the next 15 minutes that resulted in three goals. Raj Kumar Pal helped himself with a little touch when he pushed Dilpreet Singh’s lifted goal-bound ball past the line in the 37th minute. Two minutes later, Sukhjeet’s slap-shot made it 5-0.

Abhishek’s first goal one minute into the final quarter and another in the 50th put an end to China’s misery and their chances of entering the final.

“We are now in a good rhythm,” said Fulton.

But Korea, who are known to hold their structure and punish on counters, can be very mean opponents. And India will know that from their earlier 2-2 draw against the title-holders.

But the Indian team of the last two matches is a different opponent now. Having said that, a final brings its own pressure. And it will be a new day.