1982: Qasim Zia, who later became a minister in the provincial government of his country, and led Pakistan Hockey Federation for a tenure, struck two impeccable penalty corners to corner India in the inaugural edition. Pakistan defeated India comprehensive in the changed venue in Lahore. The score remains biggest margin of victory for Pakistan against India in the realm of Asia Cup. Pakistan legend legend Hasan Sardar’s mesmerizing skills were the highlights of this edition.

1985: Both India and Pakistan entered the finals which was held in a magnificient football stadium which lies adjacent to Maulana Bhasini Stadium where the present edition was going on. Pakistan were the reigning Olympic and Asian Games champions, and has had a string of victories over India. They were expected to easily put it across India to defend the crown. But it was a hard fought and controversial one. The winning goal for Pakistan, blown by Japan umpire, led to turmoil, even hundreds of spectators entering the playing arena. At the end, it was 3-2 in favour of Pakistan. The events that happened 32 years ago, led to five of Indian players including its captain MM Somaya were later suspended by the FIH for indiscipline.

1989: India hosted the third edition hoping to snatch the crown from Pakistan. The twice winner struggled in the pool. It had to beat Korea in the tie-breaker in the semis to lock horns against India. Legend Dhanraj Pillay got his first international cap in this tournament, but had to be a spectator when Qasi Mohib walked away with the title third time in a row. India’s Surjit Singh missed a stroke. India 0 pakistan 2 at Shivaji Stadium, which wore a mourning mood that day.

1993: First time men and women’s Asia Cup was held simultaneously. Asian hockey history had a mutation here. South Korea, which threatened India-Pak monopoly really proved. Korea beat Pakistan 4-0 in the semis, and then put aside Shakeel Ahmad’s India with a solitary goal. Asian hockey hereafter turned a three-horse way, thankfully.

1999: Korea did to India what it did to Pakistan in the semis of previous Asia Cup. Korea shut Indian hopes beating them 5-4 in the tense semis. Then went on to beat Pakistan again on the same scoreline. The scoreline and the success amply reflected resoluteness of Korean, who are here to stay. The semifinal loss was a body blow for India, which won its first Asian Games gold in 32 years, the previous year.

2003: It was India’s. India lost to Pakistan 2-4 in the league, only to post the same scoreline in the final for its first Asia Cup title. Baljit Dhillons India straight away went to Batra Hospital, where Jugraj Singh was given treatment after car accident. Jugraj Singh now coach of the Dhaka Indians.

2007: Asia Cup returned to India after 18 years. India won the competition as would a Champions. Chennai edition was by far the biggest with 11 nations in the fray, spread into two pools. Japan finished Pakistan, which for the first time failed to be in the semis, and thus out of medals. Korea and India, who were in the same pool, met in the finals. Like India against Malaysia in Dhaka, India could open up Korea and finish them into smithereens. India 7 Korea 2, first one-sided final after the inaugural edition.

2009: South Korea recaptured the crown in style and got the Delhi World Cup berth. The Kuantan was perhaps a poorly planned of Asia Cups. Three teams in each pool, a team without direct wins even walking away with bronze. Korea won by posting a solitary goal in the final. The whole Asia Cup suffered because of poor format.

2013: Malaysia again hosted the Asia Cup but in its known venue, the Sultan Azlan Shah stadium. In a tense final, India lost conceding a goal in the last minute. Pakistan’s inability to get rid of Korea in the semis cost them heavily: It missed the The Hague World Cup slot.

2017: Asia Cup returned to Dhaka after 32 years. A new format where top two teams in each pool will play out a Super 4s, was introduced successfully. India topped the pool with seven points. Malaysia came second after drawing Korea 1-1, equalizer coming for Malaysia off its second penalty corner 1 minute 46 seconds before hooter. Malaysia needed draw or win to engage India in the final, and it exactly did in the rain deferred match. Koreans were desparate to win Gold in Dhaka, as it would take them to 2018 World Cup. It was not to be. Others, Pakistan,India and Malaysia have already qualified for the next World Cup.