India’s men’s hockey team defended its Asian Games title with a commanding 5-1 win over Malaysia in the final at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium on Saturday.

Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored twice from penalty corners. Jugraj Singh also converted a penalty corner. Hardik Singh scored from a penalty stroke. Shilanand Lakra finished from open play. Malaysia’s Shelly Silverius scored the equaliser early, but India pulled away after half-time.

The win is historic in several ways. It is India’s first back-to-back men’s hockey gold at the Asian Games, following the 2022 title. It is the country’s fifth men’s hockey gold overall. Most importantly, it seals direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

It is also the first time India’s men’s and women’s hockey teams have both won gold at the same Asian Games. The women beat defending champions China 1-0 on Friday. Vice-captain Hardik Singh said the team trusted its structure and believed it could score even in the last five seconds.

Harmanpreet finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 12 goals. Hockey is now only the third Indian team sport, after kabaddi and cricket, to record a double-gold podium at the continental event.