The double was formally completed, and the hockey men joined the women to book their Olympic ticket as India defended its Asian Games title in Kakamigahara on Saturday (October 3, 2026), defeating Malaysia 5-1 in the final. The match itself, however, was much closer than the scoreline would indicate.
That first quarter was, in many ways, a microcosm of the entire match. Malaysia was not short on experience — the Saari brothers Fitri and Faisal along with Shello and captain Marhan Jalil are no spring chicken; it was, however, short on players with big-match exposure and big-game temperament, and that made all the difference. Messy, chaotic with no clear winner on the field, both teams creating chances to score and wasting them, as much as due to their own profligacy as the opposition’s defending.
India began well and got an early lead in the 11th minute when Harmanpreet Singh converted the team’s second penalty corner. Three minutes later, Faiz Jali’s free hit from just outside the circle saw Shello Silverius smash the ball past half a dozen players to level. Another three minutes later, Sumit was instrumental in saving three back-to-back PCs. India survived. MOORTHY That final goal also, in its own way, encapsulated India’s entire campaign — things falling into place, going the team’s way even when they weren’t expected to.
India’s Jugraj Singh celebrates after the second goal against Malaysia in the men’s hockey final at the Asian Games in Japan on October 03, 2026. | Photo Credit: R.V.
The Indian men’s hockey team celebrates after defeating Malaysia in the final at the Asian Games in Japan on October 03, 2026. | Photo Credit: R.V. MOORTHY It wasn’t a flawless tournament for the men but it did highlight the gulf in Asian hockey, even an Indian team at less than optimum being miles ahead of the rest. This is the first time both Indian teams have been crowned Games champions simultaneously and also the first time the Indian men have managed to defend their title.