India’s men’s hockey team defended their Asian Games gold medal in style on Saturday, beating Malaysia 5-1 in the final in Aichi-Nagoya.
The victory also sealed India’s direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, sparing the team the uncertainty of the qualifying tournaments.
Former captain Manpreet Singh hailed the team’s focus after the win, as India completed a dream day at the Games with gold medals across hockey, cricket and wrestling.
India’s dominance was rarely in doubt in the final, with the attack converting pressure into goals at regular intervals while the defence comfortably held Malaysia at bay.