India defend Asian Games hockey gold, book Olympic berth

Captain Harmanpreet Singh rose to the occasion with a brace as a dominant India thrashed Malaysia 5-1 to clinch the men's hockey gold for the second time in the Asian Games and book a 2028 Olympics berth in Japan's Karamigahara on Saturday.  Captain Harmanpreet (11th and 57th), Jugraj Singh (23rd), Hardik Singh (42nd) and Shilanand Lakra (54th) scored for India. For Malaysia, Shello Silverius pulled one back in the 14th minute. With his twin strikes, Harmanpreet also ended as the tournament's top-scorer with 12 goals to his credit.While writing a new chapter in the history of Indian hockey, the eight-time Olympic champions also clinched their fifth Asian Games gold, and the second in a row for the first time. The Indians made an attacking start as the play was mostly in the Malaysian half in the first quarter.

चक दे इंडिया!

Heartiest congratulations to the Indian Men’s Hockey Team on winning the Gold Medal at the #AsianGames2026 & successfully defending their title!
With this triumph, India also secures direct qualification for the LA 2028 Olympics.

A magnificent achievement for… pic.twitter.com/rsrJ3QMe0w

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) October 3, 2026

The men's team's gold came a day after the women defeated higher-ranked defending champions China 1-0 in the final to clinch the title after 44 years and also book an Olympic spot. This is the first time that both the men and women have ended on top in the same edition of the continental showpiece.