Patiala, 02 September (Sports Desk)
Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, and Jugraj Singh Score Hat-Tricks; India to Face South Korea in Super 4s
The Indian men’s hockey team delivered a commanding 15-0 victory over Kazakhstan in their final Pool A match at the Asia Cup 2025, held at Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar on Monday. This resounding win secured India’s position at the top of Pool A with nine points from three matches, heading into the Super 4s stage.
Abhishek (5’, 8’, 20’, 59’), Sukhjeet Singh (15’, 32’, 38’), and Jugraj Singh (24’, 31’, 47’) each scored hat-tricks, while captain Harmanpreet Singh (26’), Amit Rohidas (29’), Sanjay (54’), and Dilpreet Singh (55’) also contributed to the scoreline.
watch…..Celebrating India’s 2-1 Victory: A New Dawn in Football
India, already qualified for the Super 4s, started aggressively. Kazakhstan initially held firm, but Abhishek broke the deadlock with a powerful strike from the top of the circle. Despite Kazakhstan’s occasional ventures into India’s half, Abhishek doubled the lead with another fierce shot. Just before the first quarter ended, Sukhjeet Singh tapped in a goal set up by Abhishek, making it 3-0.
In the second quarter, India maintained dominance. Although Harmanpreet Singh’s penalty corner attempt hit the post, Abhishek completed his hat-trick with a skillful finish. Jugraj Singh then converted a penalty corner with a thunderous shot, followed by Harmanpreet Singh’s successful set-piece goal. Amit Rohidas added another from a penalty corner, giving India a 7-0 lead at half-time.
The third quarter began with Jugraj Singh scoring from a penalty stroke. Mandeep Singh’s skillful run set up Rajinder Singh for his first goal, and Sukhjeet Singh made it 10-0. Kazakhstan struggled to escape their half, and Sukhjeet Singh soon added another to make it 11-0.
In the final quarter, Jugraj Singh scored from another penalty stroke. Despite Kazakhstan’s efforts to push forward, Sanjay and Dilpreet Singh added goals in quick succession, delighting the home crowd. Abhishek sealed the victory with his fourth goal in the closing minutes.
India will now face South Korea in their first Super 4s match of the Asia Cup 2025 on Wednesday.
