Nagoya: If the women could do it, why not the men?
India completed a golden double in hockey at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 after Harmanpreet Singh & Co. sailed past Malaysia 5-1 in the final on Saturday.
The Salima Tete-led women’s team subdued China 1-0 24 hours earlier to seal hold. It was the first time Indian men and women had both topped the hockey competitions in a single edition of the continental Games.
In another major milestone, India became the first country to win back-to-back hockey gold medals in Asian Games.
The victory also secured India’s qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in both men’s and women’s hockey.
It was their talismanic skipper Harmanpreet who gave India the lead with a typically stinging penalty corner drag-flick in the 10th minute. Malaysia hit back through a fine field goal within three minutes.
From the second quarter onwards, however, India took control of the match. And Odisha boy Shilanand Lakra played his part to perfction.
The 27-year-old forward from Sundargarh to set up a penalty corner. This, time with Harmanpreet not on the pitch at that moment, it was Jugraj who drove home te ball to restore India’s lead.
India’s domination continued after half-time, earning a penalty stroke. Hardik Singh stepped up to coolly slot the ball past the Malaysian goalie to make it 3-1.
Shilanand increased India’s lead with a cool tap-in early nine minutes into the final quarter, while the irrepressible Harmanpreet drag-flicked his second goal three minute before full time to complete the 5-1 rout.
Harmanpreet finished the tournament with 10 goals, just one less than Pakistan’s Sufyan Khan.
Mohan Majhi lauds hockey team
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi congratulated the Indian team for their “commanding” 5-1 victory over Malaysia.
“Their skill, determination and fighting spirit have brought immense pride to the nation.
A proud moment for Indian hockey and for every Indian,” Majhi posted on X.
A HISTORIC HOCKEY DOUBLE GOLD! 🇮🇳🥇🥇🏑
Absolute dominance! Heartiest congratulations to the Indian Men’s Hockey Team on defending their title in spectacular fashion by defeating Malaysia 5-1 to clinch GOLD at #AsianGames2026.#Cheer4Bharat pic.twitter.com/J4apmj0Rg1
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) October 3, 2026