India opened their Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025 campaign with a gritty 1–0 win over Korea in Ipoh on Sunday, overcoming a six-hour rain delay and a physically demanding contest to secure a crucial first victory.
Raheel’s first-quarter strike proved enough on a night where India’s midfield discipline and defensive organisation stood tall against sustained Korean pressure. Heavy rain in Ipoh had initially pushed the match from its scheduled 1:30 PM start to 7:30 PM IST, with another final adjustment to 7:45 PM. But once conditions finally cleared and both teams lined up for the national anthems, India appeared the sharper side from the opening whistle, asserting control of possession and tempo.
Fielding a second-string squad for the tournament, India began confidently, circulating the ball with patience and precision. Within the first 10 minutes, their attacking intent was visible through quick transitions and flank-based build-ups. A video referral in the 11th minute denied India an early penalty corner claim, but the pressure continued to mount. Captain Sanjay earned the team’s first penalty corner soon after, only for the Korean defence to stand firm through two back-to-back saves by goalkeeper Kim.
The breakthrough finally arrived late in the first quarter. A fluid move through the right saw Dilpreet Singh pick out Raheel in front of goal, who finished calmly to put India 1–0 ahead. Abhishek and Sanjay were also key contributors to the move, highlighting the midfield’s strong link-up play. India ended the quarter with a deserved lead and with Korea struggling to find rhythm.
The second quarter showcased a more determined Korean unit. Korea attempted to break forward, frequently targeting India’s left flank. They managed two promising opportunities, but Indian goalkeeper Pawan produced timely interventions to preserve the advantage. While India continued to dominate possession finishing the half at 56% Korea’s compact defensive shape ensured the margin remained at a single goal.
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Half-time statistics underscored India’s control: 4 attempts to Korea’s 2, three shots on target, and superior circle penetrations. Yet the one-goal cushion left the match finely poised heading into the second half.
India started the third quarter with renewed intent, immediately winning another penalty corner through Abhishek. However, the drag-flick sailed high, missing the target. Korea, meanwhile, won a few penalty corners of their own, but struggled with execution and variations as India’s defensive unit remained rock solid. Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Amit Rohidas and Rajinder Singh were especially steady in closing down spaces and clearances.
Throughout the quarter, India’s midfield trio Sanjay, Vivek Sagar Prasad and Poovanna Boby dictated the pace, breaking Korea’s rhythm and keeping the ball circulating efficiently. Korea’s inability to move the ball quickly enough in the midfield corridor meant they rarely troubled India’s circle.
The fourth quarter saw Korea increase their urgency, knowing time was running out. They committed more bodies forward and created moments of danger, earning additional penalty corners. But India’s defensive structure, particularly Pawan in goal, responded with composure. The young goalkeeper made crucial saves in this phase, underlining his growing reliability.
India nearly doubled the lead in the final minutes when Abhishek struck the side netting after a sharp attacking sequence. The midfield continued to tighten their shape, ensuring Korea had little room to manufacture the equaliser they desperately sought.
When the hooter finally sounded, India had secured their first win of the tournament and the first victory of the 2025 edition overall with a performance built on collective discipline. Though the scoreboard read 1–0, India had been the more assertive and structured side across four quarters.
Full-time statistics reflected that dominance: India finished with 68% possession, 15 attempts to Korea’s 7, and 8 shots on goal. Both teams earned six penalty corners, but the conversion rate made the difference India took their one open-play chance, while Korea failed to convert from any of their set pieces.
For Korea, the night was a frustrating one. Despite their strong Azlan Shah pedigree they remain the most successful team in the competition they lacked precision inside the attacking circle and struggled with India’s organised midfield block. India now turn their focus to a tougher challenge: world No. 3 Belgium, whom they face on November 24. The win over Korea offers a positive platform, especially for a squad mixing experience with emerging talent.
If India can maintain the same defensive solidity while sharpening their finishing, they will enter their next fixture with renewed confidence.
