ACT 2026: Malaysian Speedy Tigers Fall 2-4 To India In Asian Champion Trophy

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 1 (Bernama) -- The national men's hockey team once again had to bow to the prowess of defending champions and hosts India, losing 2-4 in their fourth match of the 2026 Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) in Punjab, today.

Indian captain and penalty corner specialist Harmanpreet Singh stole the show by scoring a hat-trick in the clash held at the Surjit Singh Olympian Hockey Stadium.

Harmanpreet opened the scoring in the third minute via a penalty corner before Akhimullah Anuar Esook leveled the score at 1-1, also originating from a penalty corner situation.

Harmanpreet continued to showcase his sharpness in penalty corner situations by doubling India's lead in the 33rd minute, followed by a goal from Sukhjeet Singh in the 43rd minute from a similar setup.

Not stopping there, India continued to press Malaysia's defense and secured a fourth goal when Harmanpreet completed his hat-trick by converting a penalty stroke in the 58th minute.

However, Brendan Carolan's squad reduced the goal deficit by netting their second goal through a field goal by Shello Silverius in the dying minutes of the game.

The defeat means the Speedy Tigers failed to end their winless drought against India, having last defeated their opponents in the semi-finals of the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.

Malaysia, who have already secured a spot in the semi-finals, are currently in second place with nine points behind India, who lead the round-robin standings with 12 points.

Japan is in third place with seven points, South Korea in fourth with six points, China in fifth after collecting one point, and Bangladesh at the bottom without any points.

Only the top four teams qualify for the semi-finals.

The Speedy Tigers earlier opened their campaign with a 5-4 victory over China, defeated South Korea 3-1, and thrashed Bangladesh 6-1.

Malaysia will conclude their round-robin campaign against Japan tomorrow.

--BERNAMA