Hockey Asia Cup 2025 Live: India face China with final berth on the line

The Super4s stage has thrown up a fascinating equation.

After two matches each, India lead with four points, while China and Malaysia are tied on three points each. South Korea, with one point, are out of contention.

If India win or draw against China, they qualify for the final. If India lose, they will need Malaysia to lose or draw against Korea.

However, if India lose and Malaysia win, it will be China and Malaysia progressing.

Thus, Saturday’s double-header will be decisive not only for the Asia Cup final but also for the World Cup qualification race.

India will also rely on goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak, who has been inconsistent in recent matches. Though he made a brilliant penalty corner save against Malaysia, Fulton acknowledged he has also conceded soft goals.

“Goalkeeping is such a different position. Make one mistake, it’s all your fault. Strikers can make 10 mistakes and it’s still the goalkeeper’s fault. We try to balance how important that role is and provide a buffer,” Fulton said.

As India prepares for a must-win game, Pathak’s ability to stay composed under pressure may determine whether they progress to the final.

Another area Fulton is keen to improve is the team’s ability to handle expectations from fans.

“Everyone wants to win and every shot to go in, but it doesn’t work like that. Other teams know we are a threat, so they just pack the D. It’s frustrating and it takes time to break it down,” Fulton explained.

For India to beat China and qualify for the final, they must overcome both tactical challenges and external pressures. The coaching staff believes the players are gradually adapting, but Fulton insists expectation management is as vital as skill execution.

While India’s performances have improved, Fulton raised concerns about how players react to crowd pressure. During tense moments, instead of remaining calm and composed, they have often been restless.

“We just got to deal with the moment a bit better. The crowd is baying for blood. They want goals, and when the noise goes up, everyone thinks we have to hit it harder. But we need to be calmer and find where the space is,” Fulton noted.

Mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton has been working closely with the team to handle such high-pressure situations.

Head coach Craig Fulton, however, is not overly concerned about the mixed performances so far. He reminded everyone of a similar situation during the Asian Champions Trophy in 2023.

“During the Asian Champions Trophy in 2023, we also drew with Japan in the group stage. Then we played them in the semifinal and we won that 5-0. So, we are fast learners,” Fulton said. He added that while the team wasn’t sharp initially, they are growing into the tournament. For him, slow but steady progress is better than peaking too early and faltering at crucial stages.

The Indian men’s hockey team is just a step away from sealing their place in the Asia Cup final, but the last hurdle comes in the form of China — a side that has already tested them earlier in the tournament.

In the first group game, China nearly held India to a draw, showing they have the ability to unsettle the defending champions. Saturday’s clash will not only decide who reaches the final but could also play a major role in shaping the qualification for the upcoming World Cup, adding weight to an already intense battle.