Indian Hockey followed the path laid by Kabaddi and cricket and completed a gold medal double as the Men's team retained their title by beating Malaysia
in the 2026 Asian Games final on Saturday (October 3) at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium. They won the match by a 3-1 margin with goals from Harmanpreet Singh (2), Jugraj Singh, Hardik Singh, and Shilanand Lakra. The Harmanpreet Singh-led side defended their title after clinching gold in the 2023 edition in Hangzhou.This is the first time in the history of the Asian Games that the Indian team have won back-to-back gold medal in the sports. As a result, India have sealed qualification to the 2028 Los Angeles (LA) Olympics. The eight-time gold medalist can turn focus to preparing for a third consecutive podium finish in the Olympic Games. For those unversed, the gold medal winner of the Asian Games gains automatic qualification for the mega event alongside the gold medalist of the 2027 Pan American Games, 2027 EuroHockey Championship, 2027 Oceania Cup, and 2027 African qualifiers. The winners of the 2025-26 and 2026-27 FIH Pro League also secure a spot alongside the host nation. The remaining teams will have to take part in a global qualifier. The Indian Women's Hockey team also sealed a gold medal on Friday (October 2) after beating China in the final. This is only their second gold medal in history and the first in 44 years after they secured the top spot on the podium in 1982 on home soil in New Delhi. The 2026 Asian Games also marks the first instance in Asian Games history in which the Indian Men's and Women's Hockey Teams have both won the gold medal.
India's Invincible Campaign
The Indian team dominated the competition from start to finish and won all their games. They eased past the group stage with victories over Indonesia (13-1), Sri Lanka (16-1), Japan (2-0), and Bangladesh (10-0). In the semi-final, they survived a scare against Pakistan to seal a 4-3 win. They led the game by a 3-0 margin, but the Men in Green equalised. However, Abhishek's last-minute goal sealed a spot in the summit clash.
Pakistan managed to win the bronze medal by beating South Korea 5-3 in the third-place playoff.
India's 5th Gold Medal
India are now the outright second-most successful team in the competition's history as they won the gold medal for the 5th time. Even South Korea had previously secured gold four times. Meanwhile, Pakistan lead the charts with eight golds.
However, India maintains the record for the most medals with a podium finish in editions (5 golds, 9 silvers, 3 bronze), while Pakistan has 15 medals (8 golds, 3 silvers, 4 bronzes).
India's Asian Games Campaign Ends
This was also India's last event in this edition of the Asian Games. A 21st gold medal sees them level with Uzbekistan and finish above them (due to having more silver medals). This means India has retained the 4th spot; they finished 4th in the 2023 edition. The Indian contingent won 85 medals (21 golds, 27 silvers, and 37 bronze medals).
