India defend Asian Games hockey gold, beat Malaysia 5-1 to qualify for LA 2028 Olympics

The Indian men’s hockey team won the gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games after defeating Malaysia 5-1 in the final, successfully defending its continental title. The victory also secured India a direct qualification berth for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, with the Asian Games men’s hockey champion earning the continental quota.India entered the final as the defending champions and completed an unbeaten campaign to retain the gold medal it won at the Hangzhou Asian Games. The team had topped Pool A with five wins before defeating Pakistan in the semi-final to set up the title clash against Malaysia.