India thrash Malaysia 5-1 to retain Asian Games hockey gold

By Asia Samachar | Hockey | 

India successfully defended their Asian Games men’s hockey title for the first time after overpowering Malaysia 5-1 in the final at the Aichi-Nagoya Games in Japan on Saturday (Oct 3).

The emphatic victory gave India their fifth men’s hockey gold at the Asian Games and, crucially, secured the team direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Captain Harmanpreet Singh led from the front with two goals as India proved too strong for the Malaysians in the gold-medal encounter.

Harmanpreet opened the scoring from a penalty corner in the 11th minute, but Malaysia responded three minutes later through Shello Silverius to level the contest at 1-1.

India regained the lead through Jugraj Singh in the 23rd minute before taking firm control after the break. Hardik Singh struck in the 42nd minute, followed by Shilanand Lakra in the 54th, while Harmanpreet completed his brace three minutes from time to seal the 5-1 victory.

The triumph marked a historic first for India, who had never previously won consecutive Asian Games men’s hockey titles. They had captured gold at Hangzhou 2022 before retaining the crown in Japan.

India reached the final after surviving a dramatic semi-final against Pakistan. They surrendered a 3-0 advantage before Abhishek struck with less than a minute remaining to secure a 4-3 victory.

Malaysia had booked their place in the final by defeating South Korea 2-1, with Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal scoring twice.

The result also completed a remarkable hockey double for India. The women’s team had earlier defeated China 1-0 to claim their first Asian Games gold in 44 years, making 2026 the first edition in which India won both the men’s and women’s hockey titles.

CHECK OUT MORE FEEDBACKS FOR THIS REPORT AT FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM