Asia Cup 2025: Malaysia, Japan and Korea start with commanding wins, braving the August heat in Rajgir

Amid the relentless August heat, the 12th Hockey Asia Cup burst to life in Rajgir, a celebration that quickly became a test of will.

The games were a spectacle of skill and spirit, but the real story lay just beyond the field: in the crowd’s determined cheers, the silent toil of ball boys, the unyielding resolve of two military servicemen battling for their country (South Korea), and a nation’s first experience — Kazakhstan — of Indian hospitality.

The 2025 Asia Cup got underway on the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand — celebrated as National Sports Day — a tribute to the legend was paid at the floodlit Hockey Stadium inside Rajgir Sports Complex.

In the first encounter, Bangladesh, ranked 29th in the world, drew first blood against Malaysia under floodlights with clouds covering the sky. Defender Ashraful Islam masterfully converted a penalty corner, sending the ball into the bottom-right corner of the net.

The goal served as a wake-up call for Malaysia, the second-best team in Asia with a world ranking of 12. The Speedy Tigers responded with a brilliant play of their own, as Ashran Hamsani finished off a stunning team move to level the game 1-1 before half-time.

Malaysia dominated the second half, relentlessly attacking the Bangladeshi defence in both the third and final quarters.

Its persistence paid off as it scored three more goals, including a much-needed strike from a penalty corner in the 54th minute, bringing relief to coach Sarjit Kundan, as Malaysia cruised to a 4-1 victory.

Korea sails past Chinese Taipei

With the clouds retreating, the scorching sun took centre-stage during the second Pool B match between South Korea and Chinese Taipei. The heat was so intense that it created dry patches on the wet blue astroturf just a quarter into the game.

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The sizeable crowd, which had gathered to celebrate the tournament’s opening and had been dancing to folk classics and Bhojpuri electro, scattered in search of shade. But for the ball boys and cheerleaders, who worked tirelessly to energise the crowd during breaks, it was a brutal day at work.

Dain Son of Korea was a standout player, scoring a hat-trick of field goals. Jihun Yang also made a significant contribution with two strikes from penalty corners.

The defending champion dominated the game, winning 7-0 and securing the top spot in its group.

For Chinese Taipei, ranked 38th in the world, the match was a tough lesson. Its aggressive pressing from the start backfired, leaving its defence exposed and leading to a punishing defeat.

For Korea, two other players stood out not only with their presence on the field but with the salutes during the national anthem ahead of the game. Both Lee Seugwoo and Yoonho Kong are serving their compulsory 18-month military service in the Republic of Korea Armed Forces.

“We always play with the mindset of the military whenever we represent the country,” they told Spotstar via the team translator. “We are in the special unit for athletes, and for us, the field is the battlefield. We both have 9 more months remaining in the service.”

When asked about how they got into hockey, Lee recounted, “It was in middle school when we were encouraged to take up sports. Initially, I used to try out several sports, but later it became only hockey, and I never looked back.”

Japan thrashes Kazakhstan 7-0 in Pool A opener

The Pool A proceedings rolled on with Japan taking on Kazakhstan, which was making its return to the Asian Cup after 21 years.

The weather grew even more intense, with media personnel struggling with equipment and walkie-talkie calls being made to water the pitch even between quarters.

Despite the relentless heat, the crowd remained, growing with anticipation for the final match of the day between India and China.

On the turf, meanwhile, Japan started in a blistering fashion, scoring within the first 45 seconds and adding two more in the first quarter. Kazakhstan looked more composed in the second half but couldn’t stop Japan from a comprehensive 7-0 victory.

However, for Kazakhstan coach Olga Urmanova, the result was a secondary concern.

“We got to know that we will be playing in this prestigious tournament just nine days ago, and then started our camp. My players played their hearts out. Japan is a very strong team. We will become better with more games. The atmosphere was incredible,” Urmanova said after the match.

“This is our first trip to India, the heartland of hockey. I’m very pleased with the crowd; they cheered for us throughout the match. It is a big boost for my boys. I want to thank everyone.”

Published on Aug 29, 2025