They are giants of the Asia Cup but none could establish hegemony beyond a certain short period. This makes the men’s Asia Cup history interesting.

Even India tried its best, its neighbour Pakistan turned out to be a hard nut to break, walked away with first three Asia Cups. At Lahore in the inaugural tournament there was no semblance of doubt over Pakistan’s superiority on the turf in the final. The 4-0 win remained the best ever for another two decades till India broke the record at home in 2007. But before that India had to endure much humiliation first from Pakistan followed by South Korea.

Pakistan won first three Asia Cup titles in contrasting style. The Labore was the best one. The Dhaka was a controversial. The third obtained must have been a sweeter one for Pakistan as it came on Indian soil. In Delhi in the third Asia Cup witnessed by the Asian Hockey Federation top brass including Raja Sultan Azlan Shah, Qasi Mohib led Pak thrashed India for a 2-0 win.

At Dhaka, the best fight was put by both. The final scoreline 3-2 in favour of Pakistan would vouch safe. The last goal of Pakistan was disputed by India, the umpire who blew the while for the goal had to be taken from ground on stretcher, Indians attacking him, and later five of being suspended for varying duration.

Japan hosted its first Asia Cup in 1993. It could not make any history but another of India-Pak final did not take place. South Koreans, who won bronze in the last two editions, came strongly and threw Pakistan in a deep despair in the semi-final, the score being reversal of their Lahore final.

South Korea posted a lone unanswered goal to lift the Asia Cup in Hiroshima, with which a new chapeter has commenced in the otherwise two-way Asian hockey. The Asians provided a whiff of fresh air into the stagnated Asian hockey.

South Koreans went on the defend the title in 1999 at Kuala Lumpur, again in the same city in 2013.

However, India has its bright spell in the 2000s. It tamed Pakistan 4-2 in 2003 in the final after defeating defending champions Korea in the semis. Then in 2007, India posted biggest ever Asia Cup final score of 7-2.

India regained its Asian status in 2003 and 2007 and then reaching the final in 2013.

Whatever the three nations’ course, they were among the medals all the time, except once in nine editions.

With the rise of Malaysia and ever-trying Japan, this year’s Dhaka edition promises to be another path breaker.