India defend Asian Games men’s hockey title and qualify for LA28

India defeated Malaysia 5–1 in the Asian Games men’s hockey final at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium, retaining the continental title and securing direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The International Hockey Federation confirmed that the victory gave India a fifth Asian Games men’s gold and a second consecutive title.

Captain Harmanpreet Singh opened the scoring from a penalty corner in the 11th minute before Shello Silverius equalised for Malaysia. Jugraj Singh restored India’s lead in the 23rd minute, Hardik Singh converted a penalty stroke in the 42nd, Shilanand Lakra scored in the 54th and Harmanpreet completed his brace three minutes later.

The Indian Express independently reported the 5–1 result, successful title defence and LA28 qualification. The final also completed the first Asian Games edition in which India won both the men’s and women’s hockey gold medals; the qualification consequence is final, while other teams’ routes continue through the FIH Olympic Qualifiers.