India's men's hockey team has clinched a historic fifth Asian Games gold medal, securing direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after a dominant 5-1 victory over Malaysia.
Key Points
- India's men's hockey team secured their fifth Asian Games gold medal, defeating Malaysia 5-1.
- The victory ensures direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
- This marks India's second consecutive Asian Games men's hockey gold, a first for the nation.
- Goals were scored by Harmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Hardik Singh, and Shilanand Lakra.
- The Indian women's hockey team also won gold, completing a historic double for the nation at the Asian Games.
Reigning Olympic bronze medallist India hammered Malaysia 5-1 to defend their men's hockey gold in the Asian Games here on Saturday, and the triumph also secured them a direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Historic Double Gold For Indian Hockey
While writing a new chapter in the history of Indian hockey, the eight-time Olympic champions also clinched their fifth Asian Games gold, and the second in a row for the first time.
The Indians made an attacking start as the play was mostly in the Malaysian half in the first quarter.
India converted three penalty corners through skipper Harmanpreet Singh (11th, 57th minutes) and Jugraj Singh (23rd), while vice-captain Hardik Singh scored from a penalty stroke in the 42nd minute and Shilanand Lakra completed the formalities with a field goal in the 54th minute.
Malaysia's lone goal was scored by Shello Silverius from a field effort in the 14th minute.
Malaysia secured the silver, while Pakistan won the bronze by defeating South Korea 5-3 earlier in the day.
It was double glory for Indian hockey from the Asian Games as the women's team also won the gold after 44 years, stunning reigning Olympic silver medallist and defending champions China 1-0 on Friday.
