India defeated Malaysia 5-1 in the final to win the Asian Games 2026 hockey gold medal at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Kakamigahara, Japan, on Saturday.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh (11’, 57’), Jugraj Singh (23’), Hardik Singh (42’) and Shilanand Lakra (54’) scored the goals for world No. 8 India in the match while Shello Silverius (14’) found a consolation for the 12th ranked Malaysians.
The victory saw the Indian men’s team successfully defend its Asian Games hockey crown and, in the process, earn a direct berth to the LA 2028 Olympics.
In the match, both teams made a measured start as the first 10 minutes saw neither side really create any clear-cut chances.
The Indian hockey team won the first penalty corner of the match in the 11th minute and almost squandered it after a mis-trap from the injection. However, they salvaged a retake and Harmanpreet Singh delivered with a scorching drive into the net to give India the lead.
The lead, though, lasted just three minutes as Malaysia responded through a brilliant goal from Shello Silverius, who did well to trap a long aerial pass before rifling in an even better finish.
Having scored the equaliser just before the opening quarter ended, the Malaysians had their tails up towards the start of the second period. India needed Mohith Shashikumar to make a brave early save to keep Marhan Jalil from getting on the scoresheet.
India slowly began to exert their control on the game as the period progressed. Minutes after wasting another penalty corner on account of a mis-trap, Jugraj Singh buried another powerful drag flick past Malaysian goalkeeper Zaimi Mat Deris to give India a 2-1 lead.
The third quarter flowed similarly to the second. The Malaysians started strong but India slowly gained control.
Around the 40-minute mark, India won a series of penalty corners and ultimately a penalty stroke after Abhishek’s shot found a Malaysian foot. Hardik Singh, who had been excellent throughout the contest, stepped up to convert, handing the Asian Games champions a two-goal cushion.
Needing only to see off a quarter of hockey to assure the Asian Games 2026 crown, the Indian team focused on keeping its shape and inviting the Malaysian team to take risks.
The situation played perfectly into the hands of Craig Fulton’s side.
Shilanand Lakra scored the only field goal of the match before Harmanpreet Singh converted another penalty corner to seal off a 5-1 win and a fifth continental title.
The victory also saw Manpreet Singh become the first Indian hockey player to win three Asian Games gold medals.
Source: www.olympics.com
