Hockey Asia Cup: India edge out China 4-3 in pool A thriller | WATCH

Rajgir: The Indian National Men’s Hockey Team began their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a victory over China, overcoming a goal deficit in Rajgir, Bihar, on Friday.

Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh led the team with a hat-trick, while Jograj Singh contributed another goal, securing a 4-3 win for the hosts against their Chinese opponents.

The Pool A clash turned into a pulsating contest, with China drawing first blood through an early strike, unsettling the home crowd. However, Harmanpreet restored parity with a well-taken penalty corner before adding another to hand India the lead.

China, refusing to relent, mounted pressure with swift counterattacks and managed to level the score once again. The intensity grew in the second half, as Jograj Singh’s clinical finish pushed India ahead, only for the visitors to equalise soon after, making it 3-3. Watch the clipping below:

With the match heading towards a tense finish, Harmanpreet rose to the occasion once more, converting his third penalty corner to complete a brilliant hat-trick and give India a decisive 4-3 lead.

The narrow but spirited victory gave India an ideal start to their Asia Cup campaign, showcasing resilience under pressure. The win also highlighted the side’s reliance on penalty corner specialists, with Harmanpreet once again proving why he remains one of the most feared drag-flickers in world hockey.

India will look to carry forward the momentum in their next Pool A clash, while China, despite the loss, left the field with their heads high after pushing the hosts to the very edge in a thrilling opening encounter.