Sports

India Defeats Malaysia 4-2, Maintaining Unbeaten Streak at Asian Champions Trophy

By Nitesh Dubey

India secured a 4-2 win over Malaysia at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar, keeping their perfect record in the Asian Champions Trophy 2026. Harmanpreet Singh scored a hat‑trick, while Sukhjeet Singh added a spectacular field goal. The hosts’ victory marked their fourth consecutive win in the tournament and preserved their unbeaten status as they head into the final group‑stage match against South Korea.

India opened the scoring in the third minute when captain Harmanpreet converted a penalty corner with a powerful drag‑flick. Malaysia responded gradually, and in the 25th minute Akhimullah Anuar equalised after a move involving Faiz Jali and Faisal Saari, sending the ball past goalkeeper Krishan Pathak.

In the second half, Harmanpreet restored the lead in the 33rd minute with another penalty‑corner drag‑flick. A 10‑minute yellow card for Faiz Jali in the 38th minute gave India a numerical advantage, which they exploited when Sukhjeet struck a reverse‑hit from a pass by Hardik Singh in the 43rd minute, putting India ahead 3‑1.

Harmanpreet added a third goal from a penalty stroke in the 58th minute, completing his hat‑trick and extending the lead to 4‑1. Malaysia pulled one back in the final minute when Shello Silverius scored beneath the advancing Pathak, but the late goal could not alter the outcome. India’s defence held firm throughout the match, securing a 4‑2 victory.

The win keeps India unbeaten in the tournament and strengthens their position as they prepare for the final group‑stage fixture against South Korea.