India thrashed Malaysia 5-1 in the men's hockey final at the Asian Games in Kakamigahara on Saturday, retaining the gold medal and sealing direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh led from the front with two penalty-corner goals in the 11th and 57th minutes. Jugraj Singh added another from a penalty corner in the 23rd minute, vice-captain Hardik Singh converted a penalty stroke in the 42nd, and Shilanand Lakra completed the tally with a field goal in the 54th. Malaysia's only reply came from Shello Silverius in the 14th minute.
A historic double
The triumph marked India's fifth Asian Games men's hockey gold — and the first time the men have successfully defended the title. A day earlier, the women's team had beaten defending champions and Olympic silver medallists China 1-0, ending a 44-year wait for gold. It is the first time India have won both the men's and women's hockey golds at the same Asian Games.
Harmanpreet became the first Indian captain to lead the men to two consecutive Asian Games golds, while Manpreet Singh became the only Indian player with three Asian Games hockey golds, having been part of the 2014 and 2023-winning sides as well.
Road to the final
India had to survive a semifinal scare, letting a 3-0 lead slip against Pakistan before Abhishek's last-minute goal sealed a dramatic 4-3 win. Malaysia reached the final by edging South Korea 2-1. Pakistan took bronze with a 5-3 win over South Korea.
The gold was India's 21st of the Games, taking the country's tally to 85 medals — 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze — and lifting India to fourth in the overall medal table, according to the NDTV live tally.
Sources: India beat Malaysia 5-1 to win Asian Games hockey gold, Qualify for LA Olympics (Mathrubhumi, via PTI) | India complete hockey double; men's team defend title, earn LA Olympics berth (Deccan Herald)
Captain Harmanpreet Singh led from the front with two penalty-corner goals in the 11th and 57th minutes. Jugraj Singh added another from a penalty corner in the 23rd minute, vice-captain Hardik Singh converted a penalty stroke in the 42nd, and Shilanand Lakra completed the tally with a field goal in the 54th. Malaysia's only reply came from Shello Silverius in the 14th minute.
A historic double
The triumph marked India's fifth Asian Games men's hockey gold — and the first time the men have successfully defended the title. A day earlier, the women's team had beaten defending champions and Olympic silver medallists China 1-0, ending a 44-year wait for gold. It is the first time India have won both the men's and women's hockey golds at the same Asian Games.
Harmanpreet became the first Indian captain to lead the men to two consecutive Asian Games golds, while Manpreet Singh became the only Indian player with three Asian Games hockey golds, having been part of the 2014 and 2023-winning sides as well.
Road to the final
India had to survive a semifinal scare, letting a 3-0 lead slip against Pakistan before Abhishek's last-minute goal sealed a dramatic 4-3 win. Malaysia reached the final by edging South Korea 2-1. Pakistan took bronze with a 5-3 win over South Korea.
The gold was India's 21st of the Games, taking the country's tally to 85 medals — 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze — and lifting India to fourth in the overall medal table, according to the NDTV live tally.
Sources: India beat Malaysia 5-1 to win Asian Games hockey gold, Qualify for LA Olympics (Mathrubhumi, via PTI) | India complete hockey double; men's team defend title, earn LA Olympics berth (Deccan Herald)
