India champions of Asia

Clinical Men in Blue beat Korea to lift Asia Cup after 8 years, qualify for World Cup

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Dilpreet Singh scored a brace as a dominant India defeated defending champions South Korea 4-1 to win the men's Asia Cup hockey tournament after a hiatus of eight years and qualify for next year's FIH World Cup, here Sunday.

Dilpreet (28th, 45th minutes) and Sukhjeet Singh (st) scored fine field goals while Amit Rohidas (50th) converted a penalty corner in front of a packed stadium at the Rajgir Sports Complex.

Korea's lone goal was scored by Dain Son in the 51st minute.

India were on the ball from the start and looked determined. The coordination between the defence, midfield and forward line was a treat to watch as they penetrated the rival circle frequently.

The Koreans, on the other hand, preferred to defend, which was not the best of idea against an attacking home side.

The Koreans hardly created any real scoring chances in the first two quarters as the Indian defence stood tall.

India opened the scoring inside the first 30 seconds of the game through Sukhjeet.