India and China produced a pulsating encounter in front of a packed Rajgir Sports Complex, with the hosts eventually scraping through 4–3 in a high-intensity contest that tested their composure, defensive structure, and mental resilience in Men Hockey Asia Cup 2025
It was captain Harmanpreet Singh who made the decisive difference with a brace from penalty corners, though China’s bravery and sharp set-piece execution ensured the game went down to the wire. The pre-match atmosphere was electric. The stadium, buzzing with anticipation, had filled up well before pushback. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar even took a lap of honor to greet the crowd. India, in their traditional blue, lined up against China’s red-clad unit, with the national anthems setting the stage for a match that promised far more than the lopsided expectations beforehand.
First Quarter : China Shock India
India began on the front foot, dominating possession and immediately pushing into the Chinese circle. Abhishek and Shilanand Lakra tested the goalkeeper early, and a penalty corner in the third minute almost gave them the lead. Mandeep Singh’s close-range finish had the home fans celebrating prematurely, but a Chinese review revealed a foul in the build-up, and the goal was chalked off. This missed opportunity seemed to unnerve India slightly. China, sharp on the counterattack, began finding space. In the 13th minute, they won their first penalty corner, and Du Shihao’s low dragflick deflected off a defender’s stick into the net.
Against the run of play, the visitors had taken a 1–0 lead, silencing the Kalinga crowd. India responded with late pressure and another penalty corner, but Harmanpreet’s flick was wide. At the hooter, the scoreboard read 0–1, a reminder that dominance in possession counts for little without precision at both ends.
Second Quarter : Jugraj and Harmanpreet Lead the Charge
India came out sharper in the second quarter, immediately pushing numbers forward. Their persistence paid off in the 17th minute when Jugraj Singh, stepping up in Harmanpreet’s absence, fired in a blistering dragflick to make it 1–1. The goal lifted India’s tempo, and soon after, Harmanpreet himself stamped authority with a thunderous flick in the 19th minute, handing India a 2–1 lead. India almost extended their cushion when Sukhjeet Singh’s sharp strike beat the keeper, but China successfully reviewed, claiming a foot foul in the build-up. The TV umpire sided with the visitors, and the goal was overturned.
Hardik Singh was also shown a green card during this phase, testing India’s structure momentarily, but Suraj Karkera in goal denied China an equaliser with a crucial save. At halftime, India led 2–1. The match was far from safe, though, as China had already shown their ability to hurt India through penalty corners.
Third Quarter : Momentum Swings Wildly
If the second quarter belonged to India, the third was China’s stage. The visitors came out with confidence and purpose. In the 35th minute, Chen Benhai rifled in a dragflick past both Jarmanpreet and goalkeeper Krishan Pathak, pulling China back to 2–3. What followed was a rollercoaster of drama. India were awarded a penalty stroke in the 39th minute after Mandeep was fouled by the Chinese keeper. Harmanpreet stepped up, but to the shock of everyone, his flick rattled the post. Seconds later, China capitalised. Gao Jiesheng’s flick squeezed past Pathak, who should have done better, levelling the match at 3–3. India’s defensive lapses were glaring, while China’s belief grew with every set-piece.
Head coach Craig Fulton was visibly frustrated on the sidelines. At the end of the third quarter, the scoreline read 3–3, and the momentum was with the visitors.
Fourth Quarter : Harmanpreet Strikes Again
The final quarter began with India under immense pressure, and it required leadership from their captain to restore control. In the 47th minute, India won another penalty corner, and after two failed attempts, Harmanpreet blasted in his third goal of the night, a rocket flick that left the goalkeeper with no chance. India were back in front, 4–3. From there, the contest became about game management. India tried to slow down the pace, but China refused to back off. In the 51st minute, the Chinese goalkeeper made a stunning diving save from a deflected attempt by Mandeep, keeping his side alive.
Tensions flared in the 53rd minute when Jarmanpreet Singh was shown a yellow card, leaving India a man down for five crucial minutes. China pressed aggressively, probing for penalty corners, but Amit Rohidas and Surender Kumar stood firm in defence. The visitors did earn possession in dangerous areas, yet India’s backline scrambled effectively to deny clear opportunities. The final minutes were frantic. India had a golden chance to seal the result in the 58th minute, only for the Chinese goalkeeper to make another heroic save. Seconds later, Du Shihao picked up a green card, reducing China to ten men for the last minute.
But even then, drama struck when midfielder Sumit went down injured and had to be taken off just before the hooter. It was a worrying sight for India, who will be hoping it’s not a long-term setback.
When the hooter finally sounded, India had edged through 4–3. Relief, more than joy, marked the immediate reactions of the players. For a team that entered as heavy favourites, this was far from a routine win. Instead, it became a stern reminder of the fine margins in modern hockey. Harmanpreet Singh, with three goals and relentless leadership, once again proved why he is one of the best drag flickers in the world. Jugraj Singh also played a crucial role with his strike, while Mandeep’s movement in the circle constantly troubled the Chinese defence.
Yet, the concerns were evident defensive lapses, poor tackling inside the D, and inconsistent goalkeeping left India vulnerable. For China, the night ended in disappointment but also with immense credit. Their structured defence, sharp penalty corner execution, and fearless counterattacking caused India real problems. Players like Chen Benhai, Gao Jiesheng, and Du Shihao showcased the rising level of Chinese hockey.
Key Takeaways
- Set-piece supremacy: All seven goals came from penalty corners or penalty strokes, underlining the critical role of dragflickers at this level.
- India’s defensive frailties: Despite scoring four, conceding three through avoidable mistakes will be a concern for Fulton.
- Harmanpreet’s leadership: His composure and firepower ensured India avoided an upset.
- China’s rise: No longer pushovers, China showed they can challenge established sides with discipline and confidence.
India’s 4–3 win over China will be remembered as a high-scoring thriller rather than a commanding victory. While the home fans celebrated, the match also exposed areas that need immediate fixing before sterner tests arrive. For now, though, India will take the three points earned the hard way, thanks to their captain’s brilliance.
