The Indian men’s hockey team defended their Asian Games gold medal and secured a spot at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after defeating Malaysia 5-1 in the final in Kakamigahara, Japan, on Saturday.India had never won successive Asian Games gold medals, making Saturday’s final an opportunity to create history. Harmanpreet Singh-led India made the most of it as they successfully defended their title.India started slowly as Malaysia, as expected, defended in a low block and managed to keep the Indian attack out despite the pressure. India eventually broke the deadlock in the 12th minute through Harmanpreet.India won their first penalty corner after Hardik played Abhishek into the circle and the forward found a Malaysian defender’s foot. Harmanpreet took the first attempt, but the push from Hardik was poor. India, however, won another penalty corner.Harmanpreet made no mistake with his second chance. The trap was better this time and he beat the first rusher with his drag-flick before sending a powerful shot past the goalkeeper, who could not see it to put India in the lead.Malaysia responded quickly and equalised just two minutes later in the 14th minute. Shello Silverius thrashed a half volley into the roof of the net from the left end of the circle. He received an aerial ball from the right and got 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 a chance to enter the circle, but the attack was stopped. Soon after, Lakra made another run into the circle and this time won a foul.Jugraj Singh converted the penalty corner to put India 2-1 ahead.Malaysia continued to press India and put the defending champions under pressure, but India held on to their lead at half-time.India extended their advantage in the 42nd minute when Hardik Singh scored from another penalty corner. The goalkeeper moved to his right early, allowing Hardik to place the ball centrally and make it 3-1 for India.India exerted their dominance in the last few minutes as Abhishek scored another goal for India in the 55th minute to make it 4-1. Harmanpreet followed soon after to score his second goal of the match through penalty corner with a rocket drag-flick flying into the top left of the goal to put India into a comfortable 5-1 lead.India held on to complete a 5-1 victory over Malaysia and successfully defend their Asian Games title. The triumph came a day after the Indian women’s hockey team also won gold, beating China 1-0 in the final, giving India a golden double in hockey.
