Daijiworld Media Network - Kakamigahara
Kakamigahara, Oct 3: The Indian men's hockey team successfully defended its Asian Games gold medal and secured qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics with a commanding 5-1 victory over Malaysia in the final here on Saturday.
India had never won successive Asian Games gold medals in men's hockey, making the final a chance for the Harmanpreet Singh-led side to create history. The defending champions duly delivered, retaining their title and booking their place at the LA28 Olympics.
India started slowly as Malaysia adopted a low defensive block and kept the Indian attack at bay despite sustained pressure. The deadlock was finally broken in the 12th minute when Harmanpreet Singh converted a penalty corner.
India had earned their first penalty corner after Hardik Singh played Abhishek into the circle and the forward found a Malaysian defender's foot. Harmanpreet took the first attempt, but Hardik's push was poor. India soon won another penalty corner, and Harmanpreet made no mistake with his second opportunity.
With a better trap, Harmanpreet beat the first rusher with his drag-flick before sending a powerful shot past the goalkeeper, who had his view blocked, to put India ahead.
Malaysia responded just two minutes later in the 14th minute. Shello Silverius thrashed a half-volley into the roof of the net from the left side of the circle after receiving an aerial ball from the right and getting his shot away almost immediately.
The first quarter ended 1-1.
India regained the lead in the 23rd minute through another penalty corner. Shilanand Lakra received the ball on the left wing and found an opportunity to enter the circle, but the attack was stopped. Lakra soon made another run into the circle and this time won a foul.
Jugraj Singh converted the resulting penalty corner to put India 2-1 ahead.
Malaysia continued to press the defending champions and put India under pressure, but the Indian side held on to its advantage until half-time.
India extended their lead in the 42nd minute when Hardik Singh converted another penalty corner. The Malaysian goalkeeper moved to his right early, allowing Hardik to place the ball centrally and make it 3-1.
India continued to dominate in the closing stages, with Abhishek scoring in the 55th minute to make it 4-1.
Harmanpreet then completed his brace soon after, converting another penalty corner with a fierce drag-flick that flew into the top-left corner of the goal to give India a comfortable 5-1 lead.
India held on to complete a comprehensive 5-1 victory over Malaysia, successfully defending their Asian Games men's hockey title and securing a berth at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The triumph came a day after the Indian women's hockey team also won gold, defeating China 1-0 in the final and completing a golden double for India in hockey at the Asian Games.