South Korea step into the 2025 Asia Cup in Rajgir wearing the badge of defending champions and the weight of five previous golden triumphs. But head coach Min Taeseok insists expectation is not a burden.
Winning the last Asia Cup gave us a lot of confidence. Of course, being defending champions comes with expectations, but our main focus is preparation and executing our game plan.
The tournament runs from August 29 to September 7 at the Bihar Sports University Hockey Stadium. Korea open their Group B campaign against Chinese Taipei on August 29, with Malaysia and Bangladesh also in their pool.
A Legacy Built on Resilience
From their maiden Asia Cup title in 1994 to their most recent in 2022, Korea’s story has been one of consistency, tactical sharpness, and mental fortitude.
Our core strategy is to stay compact defensively and move quickly on the counterattack. At the same time, we want to be flexible in adapting to different opponents while maintaining the concentration we showed in the last final.
For Min, India is more than just a host nation. “India is the heart of Asian hockey with a deep tradition and passion for the sport. Playing here gives us not only tough competition but also the energy and atmosphere that Indian hockey provides. It’s always special.”
The Blend of Youth and Experience
Korea’s strength lies in balance. Veterans bring stability, while the new generation injects energy and ambition.
Our experienced core will be important, but I also want fans to watch our younger players. They bring fresh energy and play a key role in balancing the team.
Echoes of a Golden Era
Korea’s finest chapter came on the global stage in the early 2000s: silver at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, fourth place at the 2002 World Cup, and sustained excellence through that decade.
In those days, Korean hockey had an exceptional balance of discipline, physical strength, and fighting spirit. Today, the game is more data-driven and analytical, and we are combining those modern approaches with the same spirit that made us successful before.
Rivals Closing In
But Asia is no longer Korea’s private playground. China and Japan have risen rapidly, adding new depth to a competition once dominated by India, Pakistan, and Korea.
Both China and Japan have made strong progress. It means every tournament is now even more competitive. But stronger competition is good for the sport’s growth across Asia.
Sixth Title in Sight
For Korea, the Asia Cup is more than just another competition. It is a marker of pride and resilience.
The Asia Cup is a very meaningful stage for us. As defending champions, we feel both pride and responsibility. Our goal is clear – to perform strongly and challenge for the title once again.
As the Rajgir crowds prepare to welcome Asia’s finest, Korea stand ready to merge their rich legacy with the hunger of a new generation. A sixth crown is within reach – if they can once again summon the qualities that made them the continent’s standard-bearers.
