India’s men’s hockey team were taken to the wire by China in their Asia Cup 2025 opener at the Rajgir Sports Complex, with the hosts’ defense and finishing coming under pressure throughout the match. Despite sitting seventh in the world rankings and No.1 in Asia, India were pushed hard by China, who earned six penalty corners and converted three of them as the Indian defense faltered at times and their link play found it difficult to keep possession.
Coach Craig Fulton acknowledged the sting of the performance, while veteran Amit Rohidas admitted India failed to capitalize on chances and needed to tighten the back line after a couple of loose balls gave China openings. “We failed to take our chances. We will have to be ready at the back because the one or two balls they got, we made mistakes there and we will have to rectify them in the upcoming match,” Rohidas said.
Despite the setback, there were bright moments. Harmanpreet Singh, who had been working his way back from injuries, looked in good touch and struck a hat-trick in the opening game, including a superb winner in the top-right corner. He also missed a couple of penalty corners and a penalty stroke, but his class remained evident as India look to rebound in their next group match.
Hardik Singh linked well with Mandeep Singh on several occasions, providing positive signs in the forward line. But for India to maintain pressure, the goalkeeping and defensive units will need to raise their game, especially with the heat posing a constant challenge for players.
The conditions added another layer of difficulty, with high temperatures making life tougher for both sides. Weather disruptions were not ruled out, as rain and scattered showers were possible on Sunday, following a brief shower during a Malaysia-South Korea match earlier in the tournament.
India now shift focus to their second group game against Japan, who arrive on the back of a 7-0 win over Kazakhstan. In head-to-heads over the last five meetings, Japan have struggled against India, losing four times, with a 1-1 draw the lone result in the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai. The Japanese will be hoping to repeat the 1-1 stalemate, while India will be aiming to convert chances more consistently and tighten the defensive unit.
What to watch for in the next game:
– India’s defensive structure and execution on penalty corners
– Conversion of chances, especially for Harmanpreet Singh and the attacking trio
– Goalkeeper performance and backline communication under pressure
– Team fitness in the heat and how both sides manage pace and stamina
Overall, while India face a tough challenge against a motivated Japan unit, Harmanpreet Singh’s form provides a positive note, and the squad will be aiming to translate chances into goals and restore the momentum in the group stages. A strong response against Japan could set the tone for India’s campaign in this edition of the Asia Cup.