Malaysia lost to India in 2017 Men’s Hockey Asia Cup final

The 2017 Men’s Hockey Asia Cup was the tenth tournament to date in Hockey Asia Cup for men. It was held from 11 to 22 October 2017 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This tournament been participated by 8 countries which is India, Pakistan, Japan, Bangladesh, South Korea, China, Oman and our beloved country, Malaysia.

India ended its 10 years wait for continental triumph when it defeated Malaysia 2-1 in a final match. India came out all guns blazing and took the lead in the third minutes through Ramandeep Singh, who scored from a rebound after his initial deflection from S.V.Sunil cross hit the post. A minute before half-time, Lalit Upadhyay doubled India’s lead when he beautifully deflected home Sumit’s reverse hit cross from the left flank.

Down by two goals, Malaysia came out all guns blazing in the fourth and final quarter and gave Indian defence a run their money. After wasting its second penalty corner, Malaysia came back into the match when Shahril Saabah scored from close range in the 50^th minutes as the Indian defence wilted under pressure.

And with three minutes left in the match, coach Stephen Van Huizen took out goalkeeper S.Kumar for an extra outfield player in a last gasp attempt to draw the match and take it to a penalty shoot out. The tactic was worked when Malaysia draw 1-1 againt South Korea, but even though it pinned India in their own semi-circle, Malaysia failed to score.

Malaysia team have gave their best but still it was not enough to deny India. This in the first time Malaysia reach into final stage in 35 years. For India team, this victory is their third Asia Cup title after won it at Kuala Lumpur (2003) and Chennai (2007). South Korea still lead the list with 4 titles to their name.

After final match, Lalit Upadhyay won the goal of the match award while Akashdeep Singh was adjudged the man of the match. In addition, our national player, Faizal Saari was get top scorer award and best player of the tournament award.