Harmanpreet hat-trick helps India beat China 4-3 in Asia Cup opener

India opened their Asia Cup campaign with a gritty 4-3 win over China on Friday in Rajgir, Bihar, as captain Harmanpreet Singh converted three penalty corners to set the hosts on course in the continental tournament that doubles as a direct qualifier for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. The 12th edition of the Asia Cup began on August 29 at the Rajgir International Sports Complex, where India, Japan, China and Kazakhstan make up Pool A.

India fell behind when Du Shihao put China ahead in the 12th minute, but Jugraj Singh levelled in the 18th and Harmanpreet struck in the 20th and 33rd minutes to give the hosts control. China again drew level through Chen Benhai in the 35th and Gao Jiesheng in the 42nd, but Harmanpreet completed his hattrick with a penalty corner in the 47th to seal the win, match reports said.

Coach Craig Fulton welcomed the three points but warned there was work to do. Fulton said in a postmatch interaction that the team had not met internal expectations despite the victory, pointing to soft goals conceded and missed chances while noting that securing the win was the priority. Harmanpreet echoed that view, calling the match a lesson in defensive alertness and...