India script epic comeback to win fourth title

The Indian men’s hockey team produced a resilient performance and staged an incredible comeback to defeat Malaysia 4-3, clinching its fourth Asian Champions Trophy title at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai. India produced a sensational comeback to overcome a two-goal deficit and clinch the game to become the most successful team in the history of the competition. With this victory, India became the most successful team in the Asian Champions Trophy, ahead of three-time champions Pakistan. Malaysia took control of the early tempo in the tense final. The ball was swiftly intercepted by India’s Akashdeep, who appeared to launch an immediate attack. Azrai of Malaysia attempted to enter the Indian circle from the left side, but Harmanpreet’s strong defence immediately stopped him. Vivek Prasad played a critical role in saving India when Saari sought to pull the ball away inside the circle following a fluid build-up play by Malaysia on the right flank. Vivek’s interception and subsequent right flank charge was a crucial counterattack. Selvam Karthi was poorly tackled, earning India a penalty corner. The stage was created for Jugraj, who scored India’s first goal in the ninth minute with a strong drag flick that he rocketed past the Malaysian custodian and defenders. Malaysian player Arzai quickly equalised the score after Hasan’s pass was deflected in the 14th minute. The scores were tied at 1-1 as the first quarter came to a close. Malaysia gained control in the second period by utilising their penalty corners. Razie Rahim, made it 2-1 in the 18th minute, and Aminudin Muhamad’s drag-flick made it 3-1 two minutes before halftime. Malaysia modified their strategy in the last quarter. From the depths of defence, Malaysia once more attempted to take the lead. But India managed to reverse the tables as Akashdeep Singh scored the winning goal in the 56th minute. Hasan Azuan of Malaysia was given a five-minute ban, which left Malaysia with 10 men for the remaining four minutes of the game. India tried to extend their lead in the last minutes by riding the momentum. The final score of the game, however, was 4-3 in India’s favour. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also wishes the Indian Men’s Hockey team following their triumph in the Asian Champions Trophy final. PM Modi took to X, formerly known as Twitter to congratulate the Indian team and wrote, “Congratulations to our Men’s Hockey Team on the spectacular victory in the Asian Championship! This is India’s 4th triumph and it showcases the tireless dedication, rigorous training and unyielding determination of our players. Their extraordinary performance has ignited immense pride across the nation. Best wishes to our players for their future endeavours.” Union Home Minister Amit Shah also congratulate the Indian men’s hockey team. Amit Shah took to X, formerly known as Twitter to extend wishes to the Indian team and wrote, “My heartfelt congratulations to the Men’s Hockey Team of India on winning the Asian Champions Trophy for the record 4th time. They have proven the power of India’s dreams and the resilience of its grit paving the path of glory to be trodden by their followers.”