India March into Super 4s with Goal Blitz in Rajgir

The Indian men’s hockey team produced a commanding display in their final Pool A clash at the Men’s Asia Cup 2025 in Rajgir, thrashing Kazakhstan 15-0 at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium on Monday. With three players scoring hat-tricks, India topped their group with nine points from three matches, sealing their place in the Super 4s in style.

India players celebrate their comprehensive win. @Hockey India

Abhishek (5’, 8’, 20’, 59’), Sukhjeet Singh (15’, 32’, 38’), and Jugraj Singh (24’, 31’, 47’) all netted hat-tricks, while captain Harmanpreet Singh (26’), Amit Rohidas (29’), Sanjay (54’), and Dilpreet Singh (55’) also got on the scoresheet.

India Dominate from the Start

Kazakhstan managed to hold off the early surge briefly, but once Abhishek broke the deadlock in the 5th minute, there was no looking back. He doubled the lead within minutes before setting up Sukhjeet Singh for India’s third on the quarter hooter. In the second quarter, Abhishek completed his hat-trick before Jugraj Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, and Amit Rohidas converted three penalty corners in quick succession to push India into a commanding 7-0 lead at half-time.

Jugraj, Sukhjeet, Abhishek Run Riot

The third quarter continued in the same vein as Jugraj converted a penalty stroke to complete his brace before Sukhjeet struck twice to register his hat-trick. Kazakhstan were unable to cope with India’s relentless press, and the score ballooned to double digits with Rajinder Singh also getting in on the action. In the final phase, Jugraj calmly slotted home his third from another penalty stroke before Sanjay and Dilpreet added to the tally. Abhishek put the finishing touch with his fourth goal in the 59th minute, capping a memorable night for the hosts.

China, Malaysia, and Korea Join Super 4s

Elsewhere in Pool A, China held Japan to a 2-2 draw to qualify for the Super 4s on superior goal difference. In Pool B, Malaysia confirmed their dominance with a 15-0 demolition of Chinese Taipei, while Korea brushed aside Bangladesh 5-1 to seal the second spot. Malaysia finished top of Pool B with nine points from three games, followed by Korea with six. Bangladesh earned three points from their lone win, while Chinese Taipei ended without a point.