Kakamigahara: The Indian men’s hockey team created history by becoming the first Indian side to successfully defend its Asian Games gold medal, defeating Malaysia 5-1 in the final of the 2026 edition in Japan.
The victory secured India’s fifth men’s hockey gold at the Asian Games, adding to its title wins in 1966, 1998, 2014 and 2023. It also marked the first time India won both the men’s and women’s hockey gold medals in the same edition of the continental event, making it the country’s best-ever Asian Games hockey performance.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh led from the front with two goals, while Jugraj Singh, Hardik Singh and Shilanand Lakra also found the net. Malaysia briefly drew level through Shello Silverius, but India took control of the contest in the second half to seal a commanding win.
The triumph also made Harmanpreet the first Indian captain to lead the men’s team to two Asian Games gold medals. Star midfielder Manpreet Singh, meanwhile, became the only Indian hockey player to win three Asian Games gold medals.
India opened the scoring in the 11th minute through Harmanpreet, who converted a penalty corner with a low drag-flick. Malaysia responded three minutes later when Silverius controlled a scoop pass inside the Indian circle and scored on the volley to make it 1-1.
India regained the lead in the 23rd minute, with Jugraj producing a powerful drag-flick from a penalty corner while Harmanpreet was off the pitch. Malaysia pressed for another equaliser before half-time, but India’s defence held firm.
The contest tilted further in India’s favour in the 42nd minute. After a penalty corner and a goal-line infringement by a Malaysian defender, India were awarded a penalty stroke. Hardik converted it calmly to extend the lead to 3-1.
India continued to apply pressure in the final quarter. Shilanand scored in the 54th minute after combining with Abhishek and Sukhjeet Singh, before Harmanpreet struck again from a penalty corner in the 57th minute to complete the 5-1 scoreline.
The margin also equalled India’s biggest victory in an Asian Games hockey final, matching its 5-1 win over Japan in Hangzhou in 2023.
After a closely contested first half, India’s attacking pressure and clinical finishing in the decisive moments secured a historic title defence.
