India turn World Cup hurt into Asian Games gold, thrash Malaysia 5-1 to secure LA Olympics berth

KAKAMIGAHARA: After the World Cup debacle, plenty was on the line at the Asian Games — places in the team, jobs and, most importantly, an Olympic berth.If the semifinal win over Pakistan was a narrow escape, the Indian men’s hockey team responded to its critics in style on a nippy Saturday night, defending its gold for the first time.India came with a plan and, despite Malaysia’s razor-sharp counter-attacks and man-to-man defence, backed its skill with timing and precision to run out 5-1 winners at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium.It was one of the team’s most well-rounded performances in recent times.The occasion was special for Indian hockey. The men joined the women in securing qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics, completing a gold-medal double, another first for Indian hockey at the Asiad.The scoreline, however, did not tell the whole story. Malaysia were no pushovers. Both teams repeatedly took the aerial route to make inroads, though neither was able to establish sustained control.India broke the deadlock in the 11th minute when skipper Harmanpreet Singh’s low drag-flick rocketed past goalkeeper Zaimi Deris Mat. Malaysia responded almost immediately. Veteran Shello Silverius collected an aerial pass from Faiz Jali on top of the circle and found the left corner with a superb finish.The Indian goalkeepers, Suraj Karkera and HS Mohith, who had faced criticism for their performances, stood up when it mattered. Amid midfield errors at both ends and chaotic attacking exchanges, Jugraj Singh unleashed a powerful drag-flick in the 23rd minute to restore India’s lead.But a one-goal advantage is never enough, especially with two quarters still to play. At the break, India regrouped. The hurt and humiliation of the World Cup remained fresh, and the players were determined not to let their chance at redemption slip away.“I think it was one of the most important achievements we can ever have because of what happened in the World Cup. It was tough to handle physically but, more importantly, it was mentally exhausting. We had been working very hard for a very long time. The World Cup did not pan out the way we wanted, and we couldn’t allow this to slip away,” Hardik Singh said.India eventually pulled away in the third quarter. Awarded a penalty stroke for an infringement, they converted through Hardik in the 42nd minute.Shilanand Lakra, arguably India’s best player on the night, then scored from close range before Harmanpreet put the finishing touches on the victory with three minutes remaining. The celebrations were muted. Relief, more than euphoria, was the overriding emotion.“We played a great game. We almost needed that semifinal to get into this mindset. I’m proud of the guys because of the first half’s performance from Malaysia, they really did make it difficult for us,” said chief coach Craig Fulton.There have been long waits, titles defended and medals lost at these Games. But amid it all, Indian hockey has produced one of its most heartwarming stories. With the job done in Japan, the focus now shifts to the LA Olympics.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.