Rajgir, August 29(HS):

Led by captain Harmanpreet Singh’s scintillating hat-trick, the Indian men’s hockey team kicked off their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a hard-fought 4-3 victory over China in Rajgir on Friday.

China struck first in the 12th minute when Du Shihao converted a penalty corner. India missed a chance to equalize late in the first quarter as Harmanpreet’s drag-flick sailed wide. However, Jugraj Singh’s precise drag-flick in the 18th minute leveled the score at 1-1, quickly followed by Harmanpreet doubling India’s lead on a right-corner penalty corner goal. He added another penalty corner strike to extend the advantage to 3-1.

China fought back fiercely after that, with Chen Benhai’s drag-flick beating Indian goalkeeper Krishna Pathak to close the gap. Harmanpreet missed a penalty stroke, giving China hope. In the 42nd minute, Gao Jisheng capitalized on a short corner to equalize 3-3.

The game’s climax came as captain Harmanpreet Singh completed his hat-trick with yet another penalty corner goal, sealing a tense 4-3 win for India in a match filled with drama and skill.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar