Malaysia loses to India, settles for silver in men’s hockey

 The Speedy Tigers went down 1-5 to the defending champions and failed to secure an automatic berth at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

This is the third silver medal the Malaysian men’s hockey team has won in the 68-year history of the Asian Games. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

The Malaysian men’s hockey team lost to defending champions India in the Asian Games final, settling for the silver medal.

The Speedy Tigers’ 1-5 loss denied the national team an automatic berth at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

This marks the team’s third silver medal in the 68-year history of the Asian Games.

India, who have now taken gold for men’s hockey at the Asian Games for the fifth time, opened accounts through skipper Harmanpreet Singh, who converted a penalty corner in the 9th minute.

After Malaysia’s Shello Silverius levelled the score in the 13th minute with a well-executed field goal, India regained the lead through Jugraj Singh, who converted a penalty corner in the 22nd minute.

Jugraj struck again in the 42nd minute through a penalty stroke to make it 3-1, before striker Shilanand Lakra added the fourth in the 44th minute and Harmanpreet converted another penalty corner three minutes later.

Despite their loss, the Speedy Tigers can walk with their heads held high, having beaten eight-time champions Pakistan at the group stage and four-time gold medal winners South Korea in the semi-final. - FMT