Asian Games: Clinical India hit record 8-2 score vs Korea to remain unbeaten
India maintained their perfect start to the men’s hockey competition at the 2026 Asian Games, securing an emphatic 8-2 victory over South Korea at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Kakamigahara on Thursday.
The Indian attack made the most of a disjointed Korean defence, creating plenty of openings and racing to a commanding advantage before South Korea found some rhythm late in the contest. Kim Jae-Ho and Kim Yong Bok scored in the final two quarters to give the Koreans some respite, with the latter producing a brilliant individual effort for his side’s second goal.
Craig Fulton’s men had earlier swept aside Indonesia 13-1 and Sri Lanka 16-1 and remain unbeaten after three pool matches. They still have Japan and Bangladesh to play in Pool A.
India needed only four minutes to break the deadlock. After the defence dealt with a Korean counterattack, Abhishek controlled a long overhead and set the move in motion. Shilanand Lakra pounced on the opportunity from close range, finding the net from a difficult angle.
South Korea struggled to deal with India’s pressure and conceded again in the 10th minute. Dilpreet Singh appeared to have finished the move, but the goal was officially awarded to Sukhjeet Singh.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh then won a penalty corner in the 11th minute and made no mistake with the ensuing drag flick. He sent the ball towards the goalkeeper’s left, leaving the defender stationed on the line with little chance of keeping it out.
India continued to expose gaps at the back. Abhishek was given the time to turn Shilanand Lakra’s clever push into the goal despite having two Korean defenders nearby.
Mandeep Singh created India’s next opening in the 26th minute, whipping a precise backhand cross from the left baseline towards an unmarked Dilpreet at the far post. The forward needed only a simple touch to extend the lead.
Dilpreet then added another with a powerful tomahawk as India repeatedly cut through a struggling Korean defence.
The Indians had five players flooding the attacking circle in the 38th minute after South Korea committed numbers forward. Abhishek took advantage of the numerical advantage, calmly directing the ball into the net to make it 7-0.
South Korea finally got on the scoresheet in the 42nd minute when Kim Jae-Ho’s effort struck the inside of the post before finding its way past goalkeeper Suraj Karkera.
Kim Yong Bok then produced the highlight of the Korean fightback. He burst past Jarmanpreet Singh before unleashing a fierce strike that beat Mohith HS in the 52nd minute.
India had the final say, though, as Rajinder Singh found the net from the top of the circle in the closing stages to complete an 8-2 victory.
The result leaves India at the top of Pool A with nine points from three matches. South Korea have six points from as many games, while Japan also have six points from two matches and face Indonesia later on Thursday.
Malaysia currently lead Pool B with nine points from three games. Pakistan and China are next on six points each, with both having played two matches.
India will take on Japan on Saturday. The top two teams from each pool will progress to the semifinals of the men’s hockey competition.
– Ends
