The Indian men's hockey team, led by Captain Harmanpreet Singh, has dedicated their Asia Cup 2025 victory to the victims of the devastating floods that have affected various parts of the country. The team's win, which came after defeating South Korea 4-1 in the final at Rajgir, carries a deeper meaning, offering a beacon of hope amidst the destruction caused by the floods.
Harmanpreet Singh expressed the team's solidarity with those affected, stating, "We, as a unit, would like to dedicate this win to the people of India who are currently facing the devastating aftermath of the floods". He also acknowledged the efforts of the frontline workers, the Indian Army, NDRF (National Disaster Response Force), and rescue volunteers who are working tirelessly to rehabilitate the affected states.
The floods in Punjab have been particularly severe, displacing over 300,000 people and affecting more than 2 million residents across 2,050 villages in 23 districts. The disaster has also caused significant economic damage, with vast areas of crops submerged and numerous lives lost. Former men's hockey team captain Manpreet Singh also dedicated the Asia Cup triumph to the people of Punjab, acknowledging their strength and resilience in the face of such adversity. He called the victory "a tribute to the courage of Punjab,". Vice-captain Hardik Singh echoed this sentiment, expressing the team's desire to honor those who have lost their homes and livelihoods.
The Asia Cup win is India's fourth title, adding to previous victories in 2003, 2007, and 2017. The victory also secures India a direct qualification for the FIH World Cup 2026, to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands. The team's performance throughout the tournament was dominant, remaining unbeaten with five wins and a draw. They topped their pool with three straight victories and continued their strong performance in the Super 4s.
The team's success is attributed to months of hard work, discipline, and unity. Harmanpreet Singh acknowledged the contribution of every team member to the victory. Hockey India has announced rewards of ₹3 lakh each for the players and ₹1.5 lakh each for the support staff.
Hockey Punjab president and Hockey India Vice-President Nitin Kohli dedicated the Asia Cup win to Punjab, which has been going through a tough time due to the floods. He also announced that Hockey Punjab has tied up with RoundGlass for the next 10 years, with an investment of Rs 2,500 crore for the development of hockey in Punjab.
The Indian team's victory is not only a sporting achievement but also a symbol of hope and solidarity for those affected by the floods. The players' dedication of their win to the flood victims highlights their awareness of the challenges faced by the nation and their desire to contribute to the collective healing process.
