Asian Games 2026: India make history, beat Malaysia 5-1 to defend men's hockey gold

India defended their men’s hockey gold at the Asian Games on Saturday, thrashing Malaysia 5-1 in the final to win back-to-back titles for the first time and secure direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The victory gave the reigning Olympic bronze medallists their fifth Asian Games gold and added another milestone to the record of eight-time Olympic champions. Malaysia took silver, while Pakistan secured bronze after beating South Korea 5-3 earlier in the day.

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India controlled the contest from the outset, spending much of the opening quarter in the Malaysian half and repeatedly testing their defence. Skipper Harmanpreet Singh opened the scoring by converting a penalty corner in the 11th minute.

Malaysia responded three minutes later through Shello Silverius, who found the net from a field effort to make it 1-1.

India regained the lead in the 23rd minute when Jugraj Singh converted another penalty corner, sending the defending champions into the interval with a 2-1 advantage.

India pull away after half-time

The Indian attack continued to put Malaysia under pressure after the break, with vice-captain Hardik Singh extending the lead from a penalty stroke in the 42nd minute.

Shilanand Lakra then added India’s fourth goal from open play in the 54th minute, leaving Malaysia with a steep task in the closing stages.

Harmanpreet completed the scoring three minutes from full time, converting another penalty corner in the 57th minute as India sealed a comprehensive 5-1 victory.

The triumph marked the first time India had successfully defended their men’s hockey Asian Games title, following their gold-medal win at the previous edition. It also strengthened their position as one of the tournament’s most successful hockey teams, with the 2026 gold taking their tally to five Asian Games titles.

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Double Asian Games gold for Indian hockey

India’s men’s and women’s teams both climbed to the top of the Asian Games podium, completing a rare double for Indian hockey.

The women’s team won gold on Friday after a 44-year wait, beating reigning Olympic silver medallists and defending Asian Games champions China 1-0 in the final.

For the men, Saturday’s victory also removed the need to go through a separate Olympic qualification route, with the Asian Games gold securing India a direct berth at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.