India’s men’s hockey team moved a step closer to securing a place in the Hockey Asia Cup 2025 final with a dominant 4-1 victory over Malaysia in their second Super 4s clash at the Rajgir Sports Complex on Thursday. The win not only revived India’s campaign after a disappointing performance on Wednesday but also put them at the top of the Super 4s table with four points — one ahead of China and Malaysia.
Coach Craig Fulton and his squad appeared to have absorbed the lessons from their previous outing, as India reshuffled roles within the lineup and executed a more calculated, composed approach on the field. With a crucial final match against China remaining, a draw could now be enough for India to seal a top-two finish and progress to the title clash.
The match began with an early jolt, as Shafiq Hassan put Malaysia ahead in just the 2nd minute. But India responded with resilience and structure. The momentum shifted firmly in India’s favour during a relentless second quarter.
The breakthrough came in the 16th minute, when a series of five successive penalty corners culminated in Manpreet Singh slotting home a rebound to level the score. Just two minutes later, Abhishek, repositioned into a deeper playmaking role, fed Shilanand Lakra, who set up Sukhjeet Singh for India’s second.
India’s third goal was a showcase of control and vision. A long aerial ball from Sanjay found Hardik, whose sharp pass to Dilpreet created space for Lakra to score with a clever deflection in the 24th minute.
Despite a brief Malaysian resurgence after halftime, which included their only penalty corner, goalkeeper Krishan Pathak made a crucial save to maintain India’s two-goal cushion. The result was sealed in the 38th minute, when Manpreet and Sumit orchestrated a move that ended with Vivek Sagar Prasad deflecting the ball past the keeper to make it 4-1.
The win not only lifted India’s position on the points table but also morale within the squad, providing breathing room for Fulton as they prepare for a high-stakes clash against China.
If India can maintain this rhythm, especially with key players now adapting well to revised roles, a place in the Asia Cup final and possibly redemption appears well within reach.
