India’s men’s hockey team will play Malaysia in the Asian Games final on Saturday, with a gold medal at stake. The match gives Harmanpreet Singh’s side an opportunity to match the achievement of the Indian women’s team.
India enter final after Pakistan thriller
India secured their place in the gold-medal match with a dramatic 4-3 victory over Pakistan. The result set up a final against Malaysia, who advanced after beating South Korea 2-1.
India go into the contest as the favourites, while a Malaysian victory would be considered a major upset. The final therefore carries significant importance for both teams as they compete for the Asian Games title.
Women’s gold adds to India’s hockey momentum
The men’s final follows a landmark result for India’s women. On Friday, the women’s team defeated China to win hockey gold after a 44-year wait. That victory also secured India a place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The men’s side will now look to complete a successful hockey campaign for India at the 2026 Asian Games. Their route to the final has already included a high-pressure win over Pakistan, while Malaysia arrive after their own narrow semifinal success.
Gold medal opportunity awaits
With both finalists having survived competitive semifinals, the Asian Games final will decide the men’s hockey champion. India’s recent result and status as favourites place expectations on Harmanpreet Singh’s team, while Malaysia will aim to produce the upset.