India thrash Malaysia 5-1 to defend Asian Games men’s hockey gold, seal LA28 Olympics spot

India retained the Asian Games men’s hockey gold with a 5-1 victory over Malaysia, securing back-to-back titles and completing a historic hockey double. The victory also booked India a direct qualification spot for the LA 2028 Olympics.

New Delhi: Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored a brace as India thrashed Malaysia 5-1 to clinch the second consecutive gold medal in the men’s hockey at the Asian Games and book a 2028 Olympics spot on Saturday, October 3. Their gold came a day after the women beat defending champions China 1-0 in the final to secure the title after 44 years and also seal an Olympic spot. This is also the first time that both the men and women teams have won gold medals in the same edition of the continental showpiece.

Captain Harmanpreet (11th and 57th), Jugraj Singh (23rd), Hardik Singh (42nd) and Shilanand Lakra (54th) netted for India. For Malaysia, Shello Silverius scored one goal in the 14th minute. With his brace, Harmanpreet ended the tournament as a........

© News9Live