 "India vs Malaysia hockey")
India fought back from two goals down to eke out a 4-3 win over a spirited Malaysia in a thrilling final to claim their fourth Asian Champions Trophy title at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in on Saturday (August 12).
Jugraj Singh (9th minute), skipper Harmanpreet Singh (45th), Gurjant Singh (45th) and Akashdeep Singh (56th) were the goal scores for India.
For Malaysia, Abu Kamal Azrai (14th), Razie Rahim (18th) and Muhamad Aminudin (28th) found the back of the net.
It is India's record fourth title, making it the most successful team in the event.
India had earlier thrashed Malaysia 5-0 in the round-robin league stage.
Malaysia were aggressive in the first half as the Indians found it difficult to restrict their opponents.
India converted their first penalty in the ninth minute with Jugraj scoring with a fierce flick to the right of the Malaysian goalie.
The Indians got into their groove as the match progressed and played full-press hockey after a sluggish start.
But Malaysia didn't sit back and continued to test the Indian defence. Their efforts bore fruit in the 14th minute when Azari found the back of the net after being fed by Azuan Hasan from the right flank.
Seconds from the first quarter, India secured back-to-back penalty corners but wasted both the chances.
Malaysia kept up the tempo in the second quarter and earned consecutive penalty corners in the 18th minute, the second of which was converted by Rahim as the ball went in after getting a deflection from rusher Amit Rohidas' stick.
Malaysia secured a penalty corner for an unnecessary stick check by Jugraj in the 23rd minute but the effort went wide.
Malaysia got another penalty corner in the 28th minute and this time Aminudin made no mistake to hand his side a 3-1 lead at half-time.
A couple of minutes after the the change of ends, India earned a penalty corner but failed to utilise the opportunity. The home team asked for a referral for another set piece, which was turned down by the TV referee.
India worked well to win another penalty corner in the 36th, but Jugraj shot wide.
Sensing urgency, India switched to possession-based play. But the Malaysian defenders did well to intercept at the right time and keep the Indian attackers at bay.
Malaysia earned another penalty corner in the 43rd minute but India defended stoutly.
The Indians turned the match on its head in a span of a minute, pumping in two goals to level the scores 3-3.
While India skipper Harmanpreet scored from a penalty stroke in the 45th minute, seconds later Gurjant found the back of the net from field play to make the scoreline 3-3.
India secured a penalty corner six minutes from the final hooter, but Harmanpreet's flick was saved by the opposition goalkeeper.
India kept up the pressure and earned another penalty corner soon, but Harmanpreet's effort went wide.
Akashdeep scored the winner for India with a slap stick from top of the 'D' after receiving a pass from Mandeep Singh.
The Indians pressed hard in the final few minutes of the match, drawing two fine saves from the Malaysian goalkeeper.
India vs Malaysia final HIGHLIGHTSFull time: IND 4-3 MAL
4th quarter: IND 4-3 MAL
56th minute: Shamsheer displays excellent skills in the mid-field and Akashdeep fires one into the back of the net. India one goal ahead with 4 minutes to go.
The chants of Vande Mataram fill the stadium after India comes back into the game. #HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame #HACT2023 pic.twitter.com/Mn5ccxSG4A
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) August 12, 2023
3rd Quarter: IND 3-3 MAL
45th minute: GOALLLLLLLLLLLL Men In Blue high on confidence once again pierced the Malaysian defence. Gurjant Singh diplays excellent skills to score the equaliser through field goal. Fierce battle of skills expected in the final quarter.
44th minute: GOALLLLLL Against the run of play, the combination of Nilkanta and Shamsheer earn a penalty stroke through brilliant hockey. Harmanpreet Singh makes no mistake and reduces the deficit.
India are making desperate attempts to score a goal but not able to get one, even if with penalty corners. Here comes the big-game mental conditioning.
2nd quarter: IND 1-3 MAL
28th minute: Malaysia earned a penalty corner as ball deflected dangerously from India's defender. Muhamad Aminudin coverted it successfuly to give his team two goal lead. India need to come good strategy after half time
17th minute: Malaysia make an agressive start in the second quarter and earn a penalty corner early. India take review for back-stick and dangerous ball. It goes against Men In Blue, who also lose their lone review. Rahim Razie coverted it successfully. Malaysia are completely outplaying India at the moment.
First quarter: IND 1-1 MAL
14th min: Azrai Abu Kamal converts a PC at the dying minutes of first quarter to level the scores at the stroke of interval.
9th minute: GOAL.... India earn a penalty corner and Jugraj Singh successfully converted it.
IND vs MAL: Starting line-up of both the teams
The moment we've all awaited
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) August 12, 2023
The Grand Finale Unveiled, ???????? India vs Malaysia ???????? in the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023 Championship Clash.#HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame #HACT2023@CMO_Odisha @CMOTamilnadu @asia_hockey @FIH_Hockey @IndiaSports @Media_SAI @sports_odisha pic.twitter.com/NNm79ogV3i
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India won: 3
