India Faces Defending Champion Korea in Asia Cup Super 4s Clash

The Indian men's and women's hockey teams are facing critical moments in the 2025 Asia Cup as they aim to secure World Cup qualification. The women's team, despite grappling with injuries to key players like goalkeeper Savita Punia and drag flicker Deepika, is favored to top Pool B and advance, relying on experienced players to step up. The men's team has shown inconsistency and defensive vulnerabilities during the tournament, raising concerns about their ability to handle pressure at home, as seen in prior matches against Korea and other teams. India concluded the pool stage as the top team in Pool A after a dominant 15-0 victory over Kazakhstan but now faces a tough test against defending champions South Korea in the Super 4 round. Analysts highlight that while India has offensive strength, their defensive lapses and tendency to lose composure under pressure must be addressed for a successful campaign. Coach Craig Fulton acknowledges the challenges but sees the tournament as an opportunity to sharpen the team’s attacking efficiency and resilience ahead of the World Cup.