Hockey glory: On India’s Asia Cup win at Rajgir

As Harmanpreet Singh lifted the Asia Cup under a fire-lit Rajgir night sky, it was a reassertion of India’s continental dominance in hockey. India now holds all three continental titles — the Asian Games, Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) and the Asia Cup — becoming the first men’s team to achieve this. This was India’s fourth Asia Cup title, one away from Korea, whom they comprehensively defeated in the final. The win on Sunday also assures India of a spot at next year’s World Cup, jointly hosted by Belgium and The Netherlands. But it was the way India grew in the tournament that lends hope for a better performance than its recent outings in Europe. The start was none too impressive with the Indians huffing their way to narrow wins in the sweltering, sticky heat of Bihar, which made it evident that the tournament was a showstopper ahead of the Assembly election later this year. But as they got used to the conditions and found their rhythm, the Indians got better. When in free flow, the Indians are a pleasure to watch. As the World No. 7 team and the only Asian side in the top-10, they were expected to cruise to the title, but sporting success is decided on the field of play, not rankings on an excel sheet.

Which is why China, despite a ranking of 22 and finishing fourth, is being considered a serious challenger and a Los Angeles 2028 Olympics hopeful. Or why Korea, despite no great results in recent times, adjusted, adapted and tested India to the maximum. A below-par performance just before the Asia Cup, in Europe, where India lost seven of its eight FIH Pro League games, and an average tour of Australia meant that the players came to Rajgir high on preparation but low on results. The title now gives India a whole year to plan and prepare for one of the most hectic but crucial phases for Indian hockey. The World Cup and the Asian Games next year are scheduled less than a month apart. Coach Craig Fulton is aware of the challenges. The win did not see him hopping with joy; instead, he was calculated in his evaluation of the team, continuing to insist that the bigger task will be against the big boys of Europe and Australia. In the 28 months that he has been in charge, Fulton has racked up an impressive record — two ACTs, the Asiad, an Olympic bronze and now the Asia Cup. The road ahead will be tough but the team seems to have got its mojo.