The year 2025 will be remembered as a defining chapter in the recent resurgence of Indian men’s hockey. Anchored by a triumphant Hero Asia Cup campaign and capped by the retention of Asia’s No.1 status, the Indian Men’s Hockey Team delivered a season that blended results, depth-building, and long-term vision.
For head coach Craig Fulton and his squad, the year was not just about silverware, but about reinforcing India’s standing as the dominant force in the continent while laying the groundwork for major global challenges ahead.
The standout moment of the year came in August, when India lifted the Hero Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar. Ending an eight-year wait for the continental title, India produced a commanding run through the tournament, overcoming traditional rivals and emerging contenders alike. Victories over Korea, China and Malaysia underlined the team’s tactical clarity and defensive discipline, while the title win also secured direct qualification for the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup a crucial achievement in a packed international calendar.
India’s 2025 journey had begun on a positive note much earlier, with encouraging performances during the home leg of the FIH Pro League in Bhubaneswar. This phase followed closely on the heels of a revamped Hero Hockey India League (HIL), which proved instrumental in sharpening match fitness and unearthing talent from the fringes of the national setup. Several players used the HIL as a platform to stake claims for senior selection, adding competitive depth to the squad.
Led by Harmanpreet Singh, India enjoyed a strong start to their Pro League campaign at home. Wins against Spain, Germany, Ireland and England highlighted the team’s ability to compete consistently against top European sides. India won six of their eight matches in Bhubaneswar, carrying forward momentum from a successful 2024–25 phase that included an Olympic bronze medal in Paris and an Asian Champions Trophy triumph in China.
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However, the European leg of the Pro League exposed areas for improvement. Facing elite opponents in challenging conditions, India struggled to maintain consistency, managing only a solitary consolation win against Belgium while suffering defeats against Australia, the Netherlands and Argentina in June. While the results were disappointing, they offered valuable lessons in adapting to different styles and managing intensity across long tours.
Rather than allowing that phase to define their season, India responded emphatically. The Hero Asia Cup title in August marked a decisive turnaround, reflecting the squad’s resilience and ability to peak for major tournaments. Tactical adjustments, disciplined defending, and efficient penalty-corner conversion played key roles in India’s continental dominance.
Another significant highlight of 2025 was India’s campaign at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, where an ‘India A’ side delivered an inspiring performance. With senior stalwarts such as Harmanpreet Singh, Manpreet Singh and Hardik Singh rested, the development squad rose to the occasion. India narrowly lost the final 0–1 to Belgium but registered impressive victories over Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand and Canada. The tournament served as a strong validation of India’s bench strength and talent pipeline.
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Reflecting on the year, captain Harmanpreet Singh emphasised the broader significance of these performances. “Winning the Asia Cup was definitely a highlight for the Indian team, but I think Azlan Shah was one of the highlights of the year where many of us from the main team were rested and the development squad ended up doing well. This puts us in good stead for a busy year in 2026, with the Asian Games and World Cup being close to each other, and we can have different options in the squad,” said Harmanpreet, who also finished the year as India’s highest goal-scorer.
As 2025 draws to a close, Indian men’s hockey stands on a strong foundation. Retaining Asia’s No.1 status, reclaiming the continental crown, and building depth across the squad have collectively set the tone for an ambitious 2026.
With the Asian Games and World Cup on the horizon, India’s resounding year has ensured they head into the future with confidence, clarity, and continental supremacy firmly intact.
