HighLights
  1. Dilpreet Singh scored four goals.
  2. India led 7-0 at half-time.
  3. India, the defending champions, will next face Sri Lanka

Defending champions India began their Asian Games 2026 men’s hockey campaign in dominant fashion as Dilpreet Singh scored four goals in a 13-1 demolition of Indonesia in their opening Pool A match on Sunday.

India controlled the contest from the opening whistle, constantly putting the Indonesian defence under pressure and creating chances through their attacking play.

Dilpreet was the standout performer, completing a four-goal haul as India made an emphatic statement at the start of their title defence.

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Shilanand Lakra and Sukhjeet Singh also scored twice each, while Abhishek, Rajinder Singh, Mandeep Singh, captain Harmanpreet Singh and Jugraj Singh found the net once apiece. Indonesia's only goal came from Aulia Al Ardh in the 33rd minute.

India Dominate From The Start

India needed just six minutes to open the scoring. Harmanpreet's drag-flick was saved by Indonesia goalkeeper Alam Fajar, but Shilanand Lakra reacted quickly to score from the rebound.

Abhishek doubled India's advantage in the 12th minute, again converting from a rebound after Fajar had denied the initial effort.

Dilpreet then took centre stage. He scored his first goal in the 18th minute after receiving an assist from Abhishek before doubling his tally a minute later, guiding Sukhjeet's pass home from the far post.

Rajinder Singh quickly added another after turning in a rebound following excellent attacking play from Sukhjeet. Mandeep Singh then made it 6-0 with another field goal.

Harmanpreet Adds To India's Lead

India continued to dominate possession and put the Indonesian defence under sustained pressure. They earned a penalty stroke in the 27th minute after Manpreet Singh was fouled inside the circle while attempting to score from a rebound.

Harmanpreet's penalty stroke was saved by Fajar's outstretched right leg. However, the India captain did not have to wait long for his goal.

A minute later, Harmanpreet converted a penalty corner to give India a commanding 7-0 lead at half-time.

Indonesia managed to pull one goal back shortly after the restart, with Aulia Al Ardh converting a penalty corner in the 33rd minute.

Dilpreet Completes Four-Goal Haul

The consolation goal did little to change the momentum of the contest. India immediately resumed their attacking pressure, with Shilanand scoring his second goal in the 35th minute after receiving a well-measured pass from Rajinder.

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Dilpreet then completed his hat-trick in the 37th minute, pushing the ball into the net after his team's initial effort was blocked by Fajar.

Sukhjeet joined the scoring soon after, before Jugraj Singh converted a penalty corner in the 47th minute.

Sukhjeet scored his second goal a minute later, and Dilpreet completed his spectacular afternoon in the 49th minute to take India to 13-1.

India will next face Sri Lanka on Tuesday as they continue their Pool A campaign.


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