Rajgir: India cruised into the Super 4s of the Hero Men’s Asia Cup Rajgir Bihar 2025 with a crushing 15-0 win over Kazakhstan, sealing top spot in Pool A with a flawless record.
The hosts put on a ruthless display at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium, with Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh and Jugraj Singh all registering hat-tricks in a one-sided contest. Abhishek was the standout performer, scoring four goals (5’, 8’, 20’, 59’), while Sukhjeet (15’, 32’, 38’) and Jugraj (24’, 31’, 47’) piled on further misery for Kazakhstan.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh (26’), Amit Rohidas (29’), Sanjay (54’) and Dilpreet Singh (55’) also found the net, ensuring the hosts finished the pool stage with nine points from three matches.
India began on the front foot, with Abhishek opening the scoring inside five minutes before quickly doubling the lead. Kazakhstan showed brief resistance but were overpowered as Sukhjeet tapped in before the first-quarter hooter. The second quarter was even more dominant, with Jugraj, Harmanpreet and Rohidas converting from penalty corners to extend the lead to 7-0 by half-time.
The onslaught continued after the break, Jugraj calmly dispatching a penalty stroke before Rajinder Singh added another. Sukhjeet’s quickfire brace took India into double figures, and Jugraj completed his hat-trick early in the final quarter. Late goals from Sanjay, Dilpreet and Abhishek put the finishing touches on an emphatic performance.
Elsewhere in the tournament, Korea defeated Bangladesh 5-1, Malaysia matched India’s margin with a 15-0 victory over Chinese Taipei, and China drew 2-2 with Japan.
The Asia Cup matches are being broadcast live in India on Sony Sports Network and are available internationally via Watch.Hockey.
