India thrash South Korea 8-2, Dilpreet Singh scores hat-trick at Asian Games

The Indian men's hockey team continued its dominant run at the ongoing Asian Games, registering an emphatic 8-2 victory over South Korea on Thursday.

Dilpreet Singh starred for India, scoring a hat-trick to continue his impressive form in the tournament. India had earlier defeated Indonesia 13-1 and Sri Lanka 16-1.

The defending champions have matches against Japan on September 26 and Bangladesh on September 28 remaining in the group stage. India will aim to maintain its winning run, retain its Asian Games gold medal and secure a direct qualification spot for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Shailanand Lakra opened the scoring for India in the fourth minute. Abhishek's pass was initially blocked, but the rebound fell to Lakra, who made no mistake in putting India ahead.

Dilpreet Singh doubled India's advantage in the ninth minute with a powerful hit from the centre. His effort struck the goalkeeper before finding the back of the net, as South Korea's defensive lapse allowed India to take a 2-0 lead.

Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh converted the team's first penalty corner in the 11th minute to extend the lead to 3-0.

Abhishek then scored India's fourth goal with an excellent finish, assisted by Shailanand. India ended the opening quarter with a commanding 4-0 advantage.

India continued to control proceedings in the second quarter, although neither side scored during the initial exchanges. The Indian players attempted several aerial passes before Dilpreet struck again in the 26th minute.

Collecting a pass from Manpreet Singh, Dilpreet deflected the ball past the South Korean goalkeeper to make it 5-0. India maintained its dominance as South Korea struggled to create scoring opportunities before half-time.

Dilpreet completed his hat-trick in the 32nd minute, converting a quick pass from Rajinder with a powerful tomahawk shot.

India continued to create opportunities from penalty corners but could not convert several attempts. Abhishek eventually scored India's seventh goal following an excellent team move involving multiple passes.

Sukhjeet Singh's shot was initially saved, and although South Korea attempted to clear the ball, it fell to Abhishek, who finished quickly to extend India's lead.

South Korea finally got on the scoresheet in the 42nd minute through Kim Jaeho. India ended the third quarter with a commanding 7-1 lead.

South Korea managed to add another goal in the 52nd minute, with Kim Yongbok finding the net to make it 7-2.

However, India had the final say as Rajinder scored in the last minute of the match to seal an emphatic 8-2 victory for the defending champions.

With three consecutive wins in the group stage, India will now turn its attention to the upcoming matches against Japan and Bangladesh as it continues its campaign to defend the Asian Games title and secure direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.