India vs China Hockey Asia Cup 2025 Highlights: Harmanpreet Singh scores hat-trick; India beat China 4-3
THE TIMES OF INDIA | Aug 29, 2025, 17:11:18 IST
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India vs China Hockey Asia Cup 2025 Highlights: Harmanpreet Singh scores hat-trick; India beat China 4-3

India vs China Hockey Asia Cup 2025 Live Updates: Three-time champions India aim to secure their World Cup berth by winning the men's Asia Cup hockey tournament, starting with their opening match against China on Friday in Rajgir, Bihar. The tournament represents India's final opportunity to qualify for next year's World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands, following their recent disappointing performance in the FIH Pro League.

India and China are grouped in Pool A alongside Japan and Kazakhstan, while Pool B comprises South Korea, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Chinese Taipei. Kazakhstan returns to the Asia Cup after three decades, replacing Pakistan and Oman who withdrew from the tournament.

Pakistan's withdrawal was attributed to security concerns following India's Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam terror attack in April. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the semifinals, with the final scheduled for September 7.

"This is the most important tournament of the year," stated chief coach Craig Fulton, who has fielded a full-strength side after India's recent struggles in the FIH Pro League.

India's recent record against Asian teams has been impressive, with 94 goals in 14 matches across the 2023 Asian Games and 2024 Asian Champions Trophy. However, their bronze medal finish at the 2022 Asia Cup serves as a reminder of potential performance fluctuations.

India's opening opponent China, ranked 23rd globally, relies primarily on counter-attacks. The Chinese team's best Asia Cup performance was a third-place finish in 2009 at Kuantan, Malaysia.

China's Olympic appearance was limited to their 2008 home games where they finished 11th. Their sole World Cup participation in 2018 resulted in a 10th place finish.

Squads:

India:

Goalkeepers: Krishan Pathak, Suraj Karkera

Defenders: Sumit, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh (captain), Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh

Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad

Forwards: Mandeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh

Reserves: Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Selvam Karthi

China: Ao Xu, Chen Qijun, Gao Jiesheng, Chen Chengfu, Meng Yuanfeng, Li Pengfei, Chen Chongcong (C), LU Yuanlin, Meng Dihao, Xu Jiebin, Du Shihao, Zhang Xiaojia, Ao Suozhu, Meng Nan, Lin Changliang, Guo Xiaolong, Wang Weihao (GK), Wang Caiyu (GK), Ao Yang, Chen Benhai.
17:06 (IST) Aug 29
India vs China Hockey Match Live: Final whistle! India 4-3 China
India edge past China 4-3 in a thrilling encounter at the Bihar Sports University Hockey Stadium. Harmanpreet Singh shines with a hat-trick, while China fight back with strikes from Gao Jiesheng and Chen Benhai. The match sees intense moments, including India’s cheeky penalty corner attempts and a late yellow card for Jarmanpreet, but India hold on to claim a hard-fought victory.
17:02 (IST) Aug 29
India vs China Hockey Match Live: Penalty corner for India, but it ends in futile effort
India attempt a cheeky variation in their penalty corner routine, trying to break from their traditional setup, but China read it well and intercepts, leaving the corner wasted. It's still 4-3, with India leading on the scoreline.
16:55 (IST) Aug 29
India vs China Hockey Match Live: Jarmanpreet Singh haned yellow card
Jarmanpreet Singh receives a yellow card with just over seven minutes remaining, forcing India to play a man down at a crucial stage of the match.
16:53 (IST) Aug 29
India vs China Hockey Match Live: India continue to build pressure with their offensive penetration
India maintain relentless pressure, continuously probing China’s defence with sharp offensive moves and sustained attacks. Their forwards are combining well, creating multiple scoring opportunities, while midfielders orchestrate the play to keep China pinned in their half. Each penetration tests China’s resolve, signalling India’s determination to extend their lead before the final whistle.
16:49 (IST) Aug 29
India vs China Hockey Match Live: GOAL! Harmanpreet hat-trick
From another sensational penalty corner, Harmanpreet Singh completes a stunning hat-trick, scoring his third goal to put India ahead 4-3 against China, giving his team a crucial lead in the final stages.
16:48 (IST) Aug 29
India vs China Hockey Match Live: Final quarter begins
India continue to pile on the pressure in the final quarter as penalty corners keep coming their way, testing China’s defence.
16:43 (IST) Aug 29
India vs China Hockey Match Live: The 3rd quarter ends!
The third quarter ends with the scores tied at 3-3, setting up a thrilling final phase of the match.
16:38 (IST) Aug 29
India vs China Hockey Match Live: GOAL! China have the coveted equaliser; IND 3-3 CHN in third quarter
Gao Jiesheng scores a vital goal to bring China level at 3-3 against India in the third quarter, keeping the contest finely poised. India lose their two-goal advantage. Now, it is once again a moutain to climb for India, who have looked shaky off late.
16:28 (IST) Aug 29
India vs China Hockey Match Live: GOAL! China scores, currently trail India by one goal
Chen Benhai capitalised brilliantly on an opening from another penalty corner, firing a powerful shot to score and pull China back into contention with a crucial goal.
16:21 (IST) Aug 29
India vs China Hockey Match Live: GOAL! India 3-1 China
India extend their lead to 3-1 against China as skipper Harmanpreet Singh produces a clean strike from a penalty corner soon after halftime, showcasing his trademark precision and composure under pressure.
16:20 (IST) Aug 29
India vs China Hockey Match Live: SECOND HALF BEGINS!
The second half gets underway. India have come close to getting a third (or more) and they would eye that urgently.

But it is China who put the foot forward. There's a PC for India after just 1:39 played. Harmanpreet gets the stick, the ball scoops up and China have a PC!

Pathak with a big save with his left hand to deny any attempt at getting the equaliser
16:10 (IST) Aug 29
India vs China Hockey Match Live: HALF TIME!
At the break, India lead China 2-1 with all three goals coming from penalty corners. Du Shihao opened the scoring for China in the first quarter. Jugraj Singh and Harmanpreet Singh with goals to turn things around for India. All said and done, the hosts would rue not having more on the board so far
16:05 (IST) Aug 29
India vs China Hockey Match Live: GOAL! China review
GOAL! DENIED ON REVIEW! India have the ball pinging the goal board. But China are convinced there's a foot involved. And they are right in thinking that. Just before Sukhjeet got the ball to him and swiveled to get the shot on, it had struck his foot

INDIA 2-1 CHINA
16:01 (IST) Aug 29
India vs China Hockey Match Live: Green card to Hardik
Hardik is punished with a green card and he will have to sit out for 2 minutes. A foul by him in the middle of the pitch.

With 3:41 to go, India win another PC. Variation, Harmanpreet Singh looks to find the corner but it has been pushed with the left hand by the Chinese goalkeeper. Long corner to India
15:56 (IST) Aug 29
India vs China Hockey Match Live: PC to China. MISSED!
India squander a PC and a potential third goal in quick period. There's bit of miscommunication and there's not even a shot on goal. At the other end, China have a PC of their own. They get the right shot, lots of power, but the direction goes awry

INDIA 2-1 CHINA
15:52 (IST) Aug 29
India vs China Hockey Match Live: PENALTY CORNER! GOAL! India lead!
GOAL! India score and take a 2-1 lead vs China. Harmanpreet Singh on the pitch now to try and give India the lead. He's on the money with a powerful strike and no chance for the opposition. Has a wry smile as he opens his account in the tournament

INDIA 2-1 CHINA
15:48 (IST) Aug 29
India vs China Hockey Match Live: PC TO INDIA! GOAL!
GOAL! An early PC for India at the start of the second quarter. GOAL! No Harmanpreet, no problem! Jugraj Singh scores! BANGS THE BOARD! Perfect trap, controlled shot, it beats the keeper and the player on the post. Lovely strike!

INDIA 1-1 CHINA
15:42 (IST) Aug 29
India vs China Hockey Match Live: PC TO INDIA! NO GOAL!
India win a penalty corner at the fag end of the first quarter. Harmanpreet Singh sets himself up to try and equalise things. But his shot is well wide of the mark. There's plenty of power on it but misses direction

INDIA 0-1 CHINA
15:37 (IST) Aug 29
India vs China Hockey Match Live: PC TO CHINA! GOAL!
With 3:37 to go in the first quarter, China have their first PC of the game. Amit Rohidas adjudged to have blocked the Chinese player it appears.

GOAL! CHINA SCORE! Du Shihao with the dragflick and it has crept in! There's an Indian player on the line who is unable to keep it out

INDIA 0-1 CHINA
15:32 (IST) Aug 29
India vs China Hockey Match Live: India dominate
India have been dominant in the first quarter of the game. Getting plenty of men into the box, moving the ball briskly but not testing the keeper enough. Shilanand with a shot but it has been parried away with ease
15:26 (IST) Aug 29
India vs China Hockey Asia Cup Live: PUSHBACK!
PUSHBACK! India get the game underway and with just two minutes into it have a PC. Poor grab, it has not been handled. Mandeep slots it home! India celebrate! But China are reviewing for a push.

The video umpire says Mandeep Singh did push a Chinese player. The goal has been ruled out
15:19 (IST) Aug 29
India vs China Hockey Asia Cup Live: Coaches before start
China assistant coach Michel van den Heuvel: "We started a new program to be competitive in Asia."

India head coach Craig Fulton: "We have had a good preparation, we are eager to perform here in front of this crowd."
15:15 (IST) Aug 29
India vs China Hockey Asia Cup Live: Match delayed
Before the match, there's a lap of honour. Not by the players or legends but by Bihar CM Nitish Kumar who is greeting the crowd by walking around the field. The stadium looks packed. Free tickets for everyone and it has been snapped up.
15:10 (IST) Aug 29
India vs China Hockey Asia Cup Live: India lineup
India vs China Hockey Asia Cup Live: India lineup

This is how India will line up today to face China in the opener of the Asia Cup hockey.

15:07 (IST) Aug 29
India vs China Hockey Asia Cup Live: Results today
Malaysia came from a goal down to crush lower-ranked Bangladesh 4-1 before title holders Korea thrashed Chinese Taipei 7-0 in Pool B matches of the men's Asia Cup hockey tournament, here on Friday.

In the second match of Pool B, Dain Son (17th, 29th, and 58th minute) slammed a hat-trick, Jihun Yang (27th, 50th) struck twice from penalty corners before Seyong Oh (53rd) added another from field effort.

Korea pumped in two more goals through Yoonho Kong (54th) and Son in the final minutes of the match to register a dominating win.

Earlier in the opening match of the tournament, Malaysia, ranked 12th in the world, scored three field goals through Ashran Hamsani (25th minute), Akhimullah Anuar (36th), Muhajir Abdul Rauf (48th) before Syed Cholan (54th) struck from a penalty corner.
14:51 (IST) Aug 29
Asia Cup Hockey Live: Fulton on expectations with the tournament
Craig Fulton termed the Asia Cup as the "flagship event of the year".

"We want to put everything into this tournament. The prize is big, the direct qualification to the WC, we are after that. A different kind of tournament, with Super 4s this time around (top two teams from both Pools making it to Super 4s stage where teams will play thrice), something not done before. We take it one game at a time," he stated.
14:51 (IST) Aug 29
Asia Cup Hockey Live: Fulton on India's form
Fulton said that the results did not go their way in the Pro League and while they are playing well, they have to be better with their finishing in the fourth quarter.

"We are playing well. We have to be better in the fourth quarter. We created chances but were not efficient with penalty corners and field goals. We held a training camp, emphasising tactics. It was great. We had some great meetings about putting the balls in the D better, which would create more scoring chances and ultimately help us be more effective on the scoreboard.

"So, that has been the real focus, and obviously, in defending, we always have to have a level of defence on the team to play a certain way and to stay competitive, because if we score goals but also concede them, then we do not always win games. That was part of the problem in the Pro League, so we put a strong emphasis on both of those," he added.
14:51 (IST) Aug 29
Asia Cup Hockey Live: India's recent disappointing run
India had a disappointing end to their FIH Pro League campaign in June, finishing in eighth spot out of nine teams, winning just six of their 16 matches and losing seven in a row, ultimately finishing with 10 losses.

During this terrible run, they let their opponents score 23 goals and could score just 14 goals.

After this, some training followed and in August, India had a four-match tour to Australia, which they lost 1-3.
14:48 (IST) Aug 29
Asia Cup Hockey Live: India's record in the tournament
The Men in Blue are a prolific presence in the tournament, having won it thrice in 2003, 2007 and 2017 and finishing as runners-up five times. Pakistan, too, have won the competition thrice (in 1982, 1985 and 1989) with three second place finishes.

Only South Korea have a better record in the continental tournament, having won five times - in 1994, 1999, 2009, 2013 and 2022. They finished runner-up to India in 2007.
14:45 (IST) Aug 29
Asia Cup Hockey Live: Craig Fulton on the challenge
Coach Craig Fulton reflected on the challenges the Indian team faced during the FIH Pro League and recent tour of Australia and said that the team eyes the big prize, a direct qualification to the next year's Hockey World Cup.

Speaking in a pre-tournament presser, Fulton said, "We are in a good place. We have had a good preparation back inside Australia, and now we are here at the tournament, so we're looking forward to it."
14:43 (IST) Aug 29
Asia Cup Hockey LIVE: Hello!
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the Asia Cup Hockey which is being held in Rajgir, Bihar. India and their opponents today China are grouped in Pool A alongside Japan and Kazakhstan, while Pool B comprises South Korea, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Chinese Taipei. Kazakhstan make their return to the Asia Cup after three decades, replacing Pakistan and Oman who withdrew from the tournament.
Asia Cup Hockey Live: Three-time champions India aim to secure their World Cup berth by winning the men's Asia Cup hockey tournament, starting with their opening match against China on Friday in Rajgir, Bihar. The tournament represents India's final opportunity to qualify for next year's World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands, following their recent disappointing performance in the FIH Pro League.

India and China are grouped in Pool A alongside Japan and Kazakhstan, while Pool B comprises South Korea, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Chinese Taipei. Kazakhstan returns to the Asia Cup after three decades, replacing Pakistan and Oman who withdrew from the tournament.

Pakistan's withdrawal was attributed to security concerns following India's Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam terror attack in April. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the semifinals, with the final scheduled for September 7.

"This is the most important tournament of the year," stated chief coach Craig Fulton, who has fielded a full-strength side after India's recent struggles in the FIH Pro League.

India's recent record against Asian teams has been impressive, with 94 goals in 14 matches across the 2023 Asian Games and 2024 Asian Champions Trophy. However, their bronze medal finish at the 2022 Asia Cup serves as a reminder of potential performance fluctuations.

India's opening opponent China, ranked 23rd globally, relies primarily on counter-attacks. The Chinese team's best Asia Cup performance was a third-place finish in 2009 at Kuantan, Malaysia.

China's Olympic appearance was limited to their 2008 home games where they finished 11th. Their sole World Cup participation in 2018 resulted in a 10th place finish.

Squads:
India:

Goalkeepers: Krishan Pathak, Suraj Karkera

Defenders: Sumit, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh (captain), Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh

Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad

Forwards: Mandeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh

Reserves: Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Selvam Karthi

China: Ao Xu, Chen Qijun, Gao Jiesheng, Chen Chengfu, Meng Yuanfeng, Li Pengfei, Chen Chongcong (C), LU Yuanlin, Meng Dihao, Xu Jiebin, Du Shihao, Zhang Xiaojia, Ao Suozhu, Meng Nan, Lin Changliang, Guo Xiaolong, Wang Weihao (GK), Wang Caiyu (GK), Ao Yang, Chen Benhai.