By Asia Samachar | Hockey |
India and Malaysia will carry unbeaten records into the Asian Games men’s hockey semi-finals, with both sides now two victories away from the gold medal and a direct route to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
India will face arch-rivals Pakistan in the first semi-final on Thursday (Oct 1), while Malaysia’s Speedy Tigers take on Korea later the same day in Kakamigahara, Japan.
Defending champions India topped Pool A with a perfect five wins from five matches, scoring 49 goals and conceding just four.
Craig Fulton’s men underlined their credentials with an 8-2 victory over Korea before defeating hosts Japan 2-0. Korea recovered to beat Japan 3-2 and secure second place in the pool, according to the report at the International Hockey Federation (FIH) website.
Malaysia were equally impressive in Pool B, completing the preliminary stage with the maximum 15 points and a goal difference of plus 30.
The Speedy Tigers’ standout encounter was a pulsating 5-4 victory over Pakistan. Pakistan recovered to defeat China 3-0 and Oman 7-2, securing the runners-up spot and setting up the blockbuster India-Pakistan semi-final.
The India-Pakistan encounter begins at 4.30pm local time (Japan) on Thursday, followed by Malaysia against Korea at 7pm. The men’s gold-medal match is scheduled for Saturday (Oct 3) at 7pm.
The stakes extend beyond the Asian Games podium. Under the FIH qualification system, the highest-placed eligible team at the Asian Games earns a direct berth at LA28, making the medal rounds an important early step on the Olympic pathway.
In the women’s competition, defending champions China and India also completed their respective pool campaigns unbeaten. China scored 46 goals without conceding, while India registered more than 65 goals, with Deepika contributing 21.
China will meet Japan in Wednesday’s first women’s semi-final, followed by India against Korea. The women’s gold-medal match will be played on Friday (Oct 2).
The FIH website said the Asian Games represents Asia’s continental qualification opportunity for LA28, adding another dimension to the battle for gold in Kakamigahara.
