As Harmanpreet Singh lifted the Asia Cup under a fire-lit Rajgir night sky, it was a reassertion of India’s continental dominance in hockey. India now holds all three continental titles — the Asian Games, Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) and the Asia Cup — becoming the first men’s team to achieve this. This was India’s fourth Asia Cup title, one away from Korea, whom they comprehensively defeated in the final. The win on Sunday also assures India of a spot at next year’s World Cup, jointly hosted by Belgium and The Netherlands. But it was the way India grew in the tournament that lends hope for a better performance than its recent outings in Europe. The start was none too impressive with the Indians huffing their way to narrow wins in the sweltering, sticky heat of Bihar, which made it evident that the tournament was a showstopper ahead of the Assembly election later this year. But as they got used to the conditions and found their rhythm, the Indians got better. When in free flow, the Indians are a pleasure to watch. As the World No. 7 team and the only Asian side in the top-10, they were expected to cruise to the title, but sporting success is decided on the field of play, not rankings on an excel sheet.