Did Hockey India Reward Players Rs 3 Lakh After Asia Cup Win?

Rajgir, Sep 7 (NationPress) Hockey India has declared a reward of Rs 3 lakh for each player following the men's team's impressive 4-1 victory over South Korea in the thrilling Asia Cup final held at the Rajgir Sports Complex this past Sunday. The venue witnessed an enthusiastic turnout of local supporters, all rallying behind the home team.

The coaching staff of the Indian men's team will also be awarded Rs 1.5 lakh each. This triumphant win marks the end of an eight-year drought for India, allowing them to reclaim their position of dominance in the continent. Additionally, India has secured a spot in the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup 2026 set to take place in the Netherlands and Belgium.

The last time India clinched the Asia Cup was in 2017 in Dhaka. Key contributors in the final included Dilpreet Singh (28', 45'), Sukhjeet Singh (1'), and Amit Rohidas (50').

India kicked off the match on a high note with Sukhjeet Singh scoring within just 30 seconds. Captain Harmanpreet Singh provided a brilliant assist, allowing the forward to expertly send a powerful tomahawk shot past Korean goalie Jaehan Kim. The first quarter was action-packed, with India awarded a penalty stroke about six minutes before the first quarter ended. However, Jugraj Singh's flick was saved by Jaehan, squandering the opportunity.

The second quarter saw Korea manage to slow down the Indian momentum. Jugraj received a green card, but young midfielder Rajinder Singh helped India secure their first penalty corner in the 19th minute. Unfortunately, a successful review by Korea denied India that chance. After a brief stalemate, Dilpreet Singh broke through with a goal in the 28th minute, receiving a long ball from Harmanpreet and skillfully finding the gap between the goalkeeper's legs to give India a 2-0 lead.

After halftime, India started the third quarter with just 10 players on the field due to Sanjay's green card. Three minutes into the third quarter, India was awarded a penalty corner for a Korean foot in the circle, but this decision was overturned. Despite several attempts from India's forwards, Dilpreet struck again in the 45th minute, sparking celebrations in the Rajgir Sports Complex.

Harmanpreet Singh orchestrated the play with a clever pass into the center, leading to a shot by Raj Kumar Pal, but it was Dilpreet who sealed the goal. He also created a penalty corner, which was beautifully converted by Amit Rohidas. In the fourth quarter, Korea managed a goal through a well-executed penalty corner strategy, yet the 4-1 scoreline did little to shake India's resolve as they held onto their lead and celebrated their long-awaited victory.