This year proved transformative for the Indian men’s hockey team as they reclaimed continental supremacy with a commanding Asia Cup triumph in Rajgir, Bihar.
Achieving the title after an eight-year gap, the team outplayed strong rivals such as Korea, China and Malaysia, underlining the impact of head coach Craig Fulton’s vision.
The season opened on an encouraging note with a solid performance at the home leg of the FIH Pro League, following the successful return of the revamped Hero Hockey India League (HIL).
Notably, the HIL provided a valuable platform for emerging players, whose speed and intensity increased competition for places in the senior squad.
International action resumed in Bhubaneswar, where India recorded impressive victories over Spain, Germany, Ireland and England.
Guided by captain Harmanpreet Singh, the team won six of their eight matches, drawing confidence from a long domestic season and earlier successes, including an Olympic bronze medal in Paris and an Asian Champions Trophy win in China.
Challenges emerged during the European leg of the Pro League, where results did not favour India.
Eventually, the side managed only one win against Belgium, while losses to Australia, the Netherlands and Argentina brought the campaign to a subdued close.
Redemption arrived in August when India lifted the Asia Cup, decisively restoring their dominance in Asian hockey.
Equally impressive was the performance at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, where an India ‘A’ team rose to the occasion despite several senior stars being rested.
Remarkably, the development squad narrowly lost the final 0–1 to Belgium but secured convincing wins over Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand and Canada.
Captain Reflects on Squad Depth
Reflecting on the season, captain Harmanpreet Singh highlighted the Asia Cup victory as a major achievement while praising the Azlan Shah Cup for demonstrating squad depth.
“This puts us in good stead for a busy year in 2026 with the Asian Games and the World Cup being close to each other, and we can have different options in the squad,” expressed Captain Harmanpreet Singh.
He also capped off the year as the highest goal scorer for the Indian team.
Overall, the year reinforced India’s status as Asia’s leading hockey nation and strengthened optimism for future international success.
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