KUALA LUMPUR: When the Speedy Tigers left for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, few expected much from the Malaysian hockey team.
Yet today, they won a silver medal – Malaysia’s third in men’s hockey at the Asian Games, after 2010 and 2018 – despite losing 5-1 to India at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium.
It was India’s fifth gold medal in men’s hockey, putting it three behind Pakistan’s record. The victory also completed a double for India, whose women’s team had earlier defeated China 1-0. It was the first time India had won both hockey gold medals at the same Asiad.
By winning the gold medals, both Indian teams have qualified for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
In a largely lacklustre final, India’s prowess from set-pieces made the difference, with three penalty-corner goals – two from Harmanpreet Singh in the 11th and 57th minutes, and another from Jugraj Singh in the 23rd.
Hardik Singh converted a 42nd-minute penalty stroke, while Shilanand Lakra scored a field goal. Shello Silverius scored Malaysia’s consolation goal from open play in the 14th minute.
South African coach Brendon Carolan, a surprise choice to lead the national team following the departure of Sarjit Singh, has now answered many of those who questioned his appointment. Despite today’s loss, Malaysia can still qualify for the Olympics – either through the Pro League or Olympic qualifying events.
Sarjit’s contract was not renewed in March, and the veteran coach died after an illness on Aug 23. Carolan paid tribute to his predecessor after Malaysia’s 2-1 semifinal victory over South Korea.
The Speedy Tigers had earlier topped Pool B in emphatic fashion, thrashing Uzbekistan and Oman 7-0 before destroying Thailand 10-0. They then edged Pakistan 5-4 in their final pool match.
Besides the three silver medals, the Speedy Tigers had previously won bronze medals at the 1962, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1990, and 2002 editions.
