India, Sept. 7 -- For years now, Harmanpreet Singh has had an assuring effect on the Indian hockey team. Calm and composed while defending and unerring during penalty corners (PC), the skipper is always the go to man anytime the team appears in trouble.

On Sunday, he decided to don a new hat, that of a playmaker, creating almost all the goals for India who trounced holders South Korea 4-1 in the final to reclaim the Asia Cup crown. It was India's fourth title in the continental tournament, and their first in eight years. With the victory, India qualified for the 2026 World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium.

The Craig Fulton-coached side also became the first side in history to hold all three continental titles - Asian Games, Asia Cup a...