Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey has expressed his dissatisfaction with the Indian men's hockey team's performance at the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 in Rajgir, Bihar. While acknowledging glimpses of brilliance, Tirkey believes the team has not consistently performed to the high standards expected of them. This assessment comes even as India is on the verge of qualifying for the final of the tournament.
India's performance in the Asia Cup 2025 has been a mixed bag. They began the Super 4s stage with a 2-2 draw against South Korea, a match where they were felt to have squandered opportunities and made avoidable errors. However, they bounced back strongly with a dominant 4-1 victory over Malaysia. In their last Super 4s match, India is set to face China on September 6, 2025. A win or a draw against China will guarantee India a spot in the final. However, a loss would make their qualification dependent on the outcome of the Malaysia vs. South Korea match.
Tirkey's comments highlight the pressure on the Indian team to perform consistently at major tournaments. India has a rich history in hockey, with multiple Olympic gold medals and a World Cup title to their name. However, recent performances have been inconsistent, leading to scrutiny from fans and experts alike. Despite the mixed results earlier in the tournament, coach Craig Fulton remains confident in his team's progress.
India's recent form has been inconsistent. While they secured a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics and won the Asian Champions Trophy, they struggled in the Hockey Pro League. This inconsistency has raised concerns about the team's ability to perform under pressure. Coach Fulton acknowledged the mixed display in the 3-2 victory over Japan, admitting that the team could have performed better. He attributed the drop in intensity during the second half to the heat and humidity in Rajgir.
Despite the criticism, Tirkey has expressed confidence in coach Craig Fulton's ability to turn things around with proper preparation. Fulton, who was appointed as the head coach in 2023, has set ambitious goals for the team, including winning the World Cup and an Olympic gold medal. He believes that the team is capable of scoring more goals and will improve as they connect better in the final third.
As India prepares for their crucialSuper 4s match against China, the team will be aiming to put up a strong performance and secure their place in the final. Captain Harmanpreet Singh, who is celebrating his 250th international appearance, is hoping to carry the learnings from their previous match against China into this crucial encounter. A lot is riding on this match, and the team will need to be at their best to overcome a challenging Chinese team.
