India beat Malaysia 5-1 to retain Asian Games men’s hockey gold in Kakamigahara

India defeated Malaysia 5-1 in the men's hockey final at the Asian Games in Kakamigahara on Saturday, October 3, 2026, to retain the title.

Reigning Olympic bronze medallist India, who are eight-time Olympic champions, claimed their fifth Asian Games gold and recorded a second consecutive Games triumph for the first time in the nation's history.

India began the match on the front foot with play largely in the Malaysian half during the first quarter, and they opened the scoring from a penalty corner through skipper Harmanpreet Singh in the 11th minute.

Malaysia responded when Shello Silverius scored from a field effort in the 14th minute, but India regained control as Jugraj Singh converted a penalty corner in the 23rd minute to restore their lead.

In the second half, vice-captain Hardik Singh scored from a penalty stroke in the 42nd minute and Shilanand Lakra added a field goal in the 54th minute, before Harmanpreet Singh converted another penalty corner in the 57th minute.

Malaysia finished with the silver medal, while Pakistan took bronze after defeating South Korea 5-3 earlier in the day.

The victory secured India a direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and completed a double for Indian hockey at the Asian Games after the women's team beat China 1-0 on Friday to win gold for the first time in 44 years.