Rajgir: India brought their A-game to the final on Sunday evening to outplay defending champions South Korea 4-1 and lift the Asia Cup after a gap of eight years.
India’s dominating performance at Rajgir Hockey Stadium helped them qualify for next year’s FIH Men’s World Cup, to be co-hosted by Belgium and The Netherlands.
Odisha star Amit Rohidas, a rock-solid defender who is one of the best in defending penalty corners, also chipped in with the team’s fourth goal, in the 50th minute.
Sukhjeet Singh gave India a headstart, scoring in the opening minute with a brilliant reverse hit.
Despite creating numerous openings, India had to wait till the 28th minute for their second goal. Dilpreet scored with a stinging hit to guide India to a 2-0 advantage at half-time.
Dilpreet got his second in the 45th minute following an eye-catching move. Captain Harmanpreet Singh passed the ball to Rajinder, who found Dilpreet in the circle to finish off with a precise strike.
Rohidas then converted a penalty corner – one of only two earned by the hosts – to make it 4-0. South Korea reduced the margin with a penalty corner strike, but that was all they could do. India could not be denied their fourth Asia Cup title.