Vice‑captain Hardik Singh described India’s successful defence of their Asian Games hockey title as “one of the most important achievements” of his career, after the men’s team defeated Malaysia 5‑1 to clinch gold.
Exhausted yet emotional, Hardik admitted the triumph carried special significance following India’s disappointing World Cup campaign earlier this year. “It was tough to handle physically, but even more so mentally. We had been working very hard for a long time to achieve something at the World Cup, and that didn’t go our way. This gold means everything,” he said.
India’s victory marked the first time the men’s team retained the Asian Games crown, completing a historic double alongside the women’s team. The result also secured India’s Olympic qualification, adding further weight to the achievement.
Hardik, widely regarded as one of the most influential members of the squad, credited the team’s resilience and collective effort. “We were determined to bounce back, and this medal shows the strength of our unity,” he added.
The win capped India’s campaign with their 21st gold medal, lifting the nation to fourth place in the overall medal tally. For Hardik and his teammates, the triumph is not just about silverware but about restoring pride and momentum ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
