In a display of sheer supremacy that echoed through the stadium, the Indian men’s hockey team annihilated China 7-0 in the Asia Cup semifinal on Monday evening, booking their place in the title clash with a performance that was as clinical as it was commanding. The victory, built on a foundation of aggressive pressing, fluid passing, and ruthless finishing, saw six different players etch their names on the scoresheet—a statistic that underscores the team’s formidable depth and collective threat.
The match, played under lights on a humid June night, was effectively decided within the first quarter. India, ranked among the world’s top sides, imposed their will from the opening whistle, denying China any semblance of rhythm or possession. The forward line, led by the lively Abhishek and the inventive Shilanand Lakra, pressed high and forced errors, turning defence into attack in the blink of an eye.
Abhishek, whose pace and agility tormented the Chinese defence throughout, opened the scoring in the 8th minute with a sharp reverse-hit from close range after a clever assist from the right flank. Shilanand, orchestrating play from the midfield, doubled the lead just four minutes later, capitalising on a defensive miscue to slot home calmly. By the time Harmanpreet Singh converted a penalty stroke in the 20th minute, the result was beyond doubt.
But India did not relent. The second quarter saw further goals from Hardik Singh, whose powerful run and finish exemplified his growing influence, and Gurjant Singh, who tapped in from a perfectly weighted cross. The third and fourth quarters were more about game management, but India still added two more—through Mandeep Singh and a second from Shilanand—to complete the rout.
What made this victory particularly impressive was not just the margin, but the manner. China, though outclassed, are no pushovers in Asian hockey. Yet they managed only two penalty corners in the entire match, both comfortably saved by PR Sreejesh, who had a quiet evening thanks to India’s structured defence. The midfield, marshalled by Vivek Sagar Prasad, controlled the tempo, while the wing-backs—Amit Rohidas and Jarmanpreet Singh—provided constant width and delivery into the circle.
For chief coach Craig Fulton, this was a tactical triumph. His emphasis on defensive discipline and rapid transitions was executed to perfection. The fact that six players scored—avoiding over-reliance on any individual—will please him immensely as India builds towards bigger challenges, including the 2026 World Cup.
The win also continues India’s recent dominance over China in hockey; the two sides last met in the Asian Champions Trophy, where India won 3-2 in a tighter contest. This 7-0 drubbing, however, sends a clear message to rivals like South Korea or Japan, who await in the final: this Indian team is hungry, harmonious, and hitting its peak.
As the final whistle blew, the Indian players celebrated not with wild euphoria, but with the quiet confidence of a team that expects to win—and win big. For the fans back home, watching late into the night, it was a performance that evoked memories of hockey’s golden eras, yet felt firmly rooted in a promising present.
