Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey hailed the historic double gold at the Asian Games and promised full support for both teams in the build-up to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

The men retained their title with a 5-1 win over Malaysia, a day after the women beat defending champions China 1-0. Both teams have now qualified directly for LA 2028. It is the first time India’s men’s and women’s hockey teams have won gold at the same Asian Games.

“Both teams had the same aim: to win the Asian Games and then qualify for LA. Both teams have done it. It is a very proud moment for us,” Tirkey told IANS after the men’s final.

Tirkey praised captain Harmanpreet Singh, Abhishek, Dilpreet Singh and Manpreet Singh. He promised Hockey India would provide everything the teams need, including exposure tours, European tournaments and coaching programmes. He also announced a cash award of Rs 11 lakh for the men’s team.

He pointed out a striking parallel: India beat Japan 5-1 in the Hangzhou final and repeated the exact scoreline against Malaysia. Hockey is now the third Indian team sport, after kabaddi and cricket, to record a double-gold podium at the continental event.