Aichi-Nagoya 2026: So Close Yet So Far As Malaysia Misses Out On Historic 10th Gold

From Muhammad Afiff Md Adnan

NAGOYA, Oct 3 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's bid to rewrite Asian Games history with an elusive 10th gold medal fell short today after final-hurdle defeats in padel and men's hockey saw a record-breaking haul slip from their grasp, settling instead for twin silvers.

Christian Didier Chin and Aidan Yunus secured silver in men's padel doubles, while the national hockey team lost 1-5 to defending champions India in the final at Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium.

Malaysia ended Day 15 with nine gold medals, matching the national team's best haul from the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games but missing out on a new record.

In padel, Christian and Aidan, making their Asian Games debut, took silver after a 3-6, 1-6 defeat to top seeds Mashari Naif and Rashed Naif of Qatar in the final at Nagoya City Higashi Sports Centre.

The medal, nevertheless, was a milestone for Malaysia, with padel making its first appearance at the Games.

Malaysia's last chance for a 10th gold rested with the Speedy Tigers, but the squad could not overcome defending champions India.

India scored first from a penalty corner and went on to dominate, winning 5-1 to retain the Asian Games men's hockey title and secure automatic qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The defeat meant Malaysia yet again missed the chance to qualify directly for the Olympics through the Asian Games. The national hockey squad previously finished runners-up in the 2010 and 2018 games editions.

Although Malaysia did not add to its gold medal tally today, the Aichi-Nagoya campaign matched the country's best-ever Asian Games performance.

-- BERNAMA