India and China rivalry to sizzle Asia Cup semis
China delivered a crucial 3–0 victory over Korea in the first Super 4s match. PHOTO: ASIAN HOCKEY FED
The day six of the Hero Asia Cup 2025 on Thursday brought decisive results in both the classification and the Super 4s stage in Rajgir, Bihar.
With just one round of matches left before the final, the race for continental glory and qualification to the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 is wide open — with India now leading the Super 4s standings.
Bangladesh vs Kazakhstan
The day began with Bangladesh overpowering Kazakhstan 5–1 in the 5th/8th place classification match. A strong all-round display ensured Bangladesh will play for a top-five finish, while Kazakhstan head into the 7th/8th playoff.
Korea vs China
China delivered a crucial 3–0 victory over Korea in the first Super 4s match of the evening. Efficient in attack and resolute in defense, China’s win keeps them firmly in the hunt for a place in the final. For Korea, the defeat leaves them with an uphill task going into the last round of matches.
Malaysia vs India
The highlight of the day came in the night clash as hosts India stormed to a 4–1 victory over Malaysia. Roared on by a packed Rajgir crowd, India combined flair with discipline to dismantle the Malaysians, who had started the Super 4s on top. The win lifts India to the summit of the standings and puts them in pole position ahead of a crucial clash with China.
Super 4s standings after day six
Hosts India led the standing with four points losing one and playing one draw i their two matches.
China followed them on the second place with three points with a win and a loss in the tournament so far, and Malaysia were on the third rank with three points from a win and a loss but a -1 goal diference.
Korea were on the fourth postion, with a draw and a loss and one point,
Next matches on Saturday, September 6, 2025
Match 19: 7th/8th Place Classification – Chinese Taipei vs Kazakhstan
Match 20: Super 4s – Korea vs Malaysia
Match 21: Super 4s – India vs China
With everything still to play for, Saturday’s double-header — India vs China and Korea vs Malaysia — will decide the finalists of the Hero Asia Cup 2025 in Rajgir.