VedTimes.com | Sports Desk
Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026: Indian hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh delivered a sensational performance on Sunday night.
His hat-trick helped India defeat Malaysia 4-2 in the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026.
The defending champions secured their fourth consecutive victory at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar.
The win also extended India’s unbeaten run in the tournament.
Harmanpreet scored in the 3rd, 33rd and 58th minutes.
Sukhjeet Singh added another goal in the 43rd minute.
Malaysia responded through Akhimullah Anuar (25′) and Shello Silverius (60′).
Harmanpreet also earned the Player of the Match award for his outstanding contribution.
Harmanpreet Gives India an Early Lead
India started aggressively and earned a penalty corner in the third minute.
Harmanpreet converted a clever variation involving Jugraj Singh to give India an early advantage.
Malaysia gradually increased the pressure.
However, India’s defenders and goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak produced crucial interventions.
The visitors eventually found their equaliser in the 25th minute.
Akhimullah Anuar converted a penalty corner to make it 1-1 before half-time.
India Take Control After Half-Time
India returned with greater intensity after the break.
Harmanpreet struck again in the 33rd minute through another penalty corner.
Malaysia suffered another setback in the 38th minute.
Faiz Jali received a 10-minute yellow card for charging into Mandeep Singh from behind.
India capitalised on their numerical advantage.
Sukhjeet Singh extended the lead in the 43rd minute with a brilliant backhand finish.
Hardik Singh created the opportunity with an incisive pass into the circle.
Sukhjeet made no mistake and pushed India ahead 3-1.
Harmanpreet Completes His Hat-Trick
Malaysia tried to fight back in the final quarter.
A yellow card to Harmanpreet in the 48th minute gave the visitors a numerical advantage.
However, India maintained their composure and continued to control the contest.
India earned a penalty stroke in the 58th minute after the ball struck Marhan’s foot on the goal-line.
Harmanpreet stepped forward and fired a powerful shot into the right side of the goal.
The Indian captain completed his hat-trick and made it 4-1.
Malaysia managed a consolation goal in the final minute.
Shello Silverius converted an opportunity created by Aiman Rozemi and Marhan.
The final whistle confirmed India’s convincing 4-2 victory.
India Target Gold on Home Soil
After the match, Harmanpreet credited the passionate Jalandhar crowd for motivating the team.
“We are here for gold. Our only target is to win at home. All the youngsters coming in are doing well,” the Indian captain said.
He also thanked the supporters for their tremendous energy and encouragement.
India have already secured a semi-final place.
The team now sits at the top of the standings with 12 points from four matches.
Points Table and India’s Next Match
India lead the competition with a +21 goal difference.
Malaysia occupy second place with nine points and a +6 goal difference.
Japan have seven points, while South Korea follow with six.
All four teams have secured semi-final qualification.
China have one point, while Bangladesh remain without a point.
Both teams have exited the title race.
Harmanpreet also leads the tournament’s scoring chart with 8 goals.
India will face South Korea in their final league-stage match Today.
The match will begin at 7:00 PM IST.
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