The Indian men's hockey team initiated their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a thrilling 4-3 victory against China at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar on Friday. Despite a spirited performance from the Chinese side, captain Harmanpreet Singh's outstanding hat-trick (20', 33', 47') proved decisive in securing the win for the hosts. Jugraj Singh (18') contributed the other goal for India.

China started strongly, with Shihao Du converting a penalty corner in the 12th minute to give his team an early lead. However, India responded swiftly in the second quarter. Jugraj Singh leveled the score in the 18th minute with a powerful drag flick from a penalty corner. Two minutes later, Harmanpreet Singh put India ahead, making it 2-1 before halftime.

After the break, Harmanpreet Singh extended India's lead with his second goal in the 33rd minute. However, China showed resilience, with Benhai Chen (35') and Jiesheng Gao (41') scoring to equalize, ending the third quarter at 3-3.

In the final quarter, India pushed hard, earning another penalty corner, which Harmanpreet Singh converted in the 47th minute to complete his hat-trick and restore India's lead at 4-3. The Indian team then defended resolutely, denying China any further chances to equalize and securing a hard-fought victory.

The match saw moments of intense play, with India attempting variations in their penalty corner routines. A late yellow card was given to Jarmanpreet, but India managed to hold on to their lead.

In other matches on the first day of the Asia Cup, Malaysia defeated Bangladesh 4-1, and South Korea dominated Chinese Taipei with a 7-0 victory. Japan also recorded a win, thrashing Kazakhstan 7-0. India will now face Japan in their second Pool A match.

With this win, India has started their campaign on a positive note. Three-time champions India aim to secure their World Cup berth by winning the men's Asia Cup hockey.