Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann congratulated the Indian men’s hockey team after it defeated Malaysia 5-1 in the final of the 2026 Asian Games to win the gold medal and secure direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
India Wins Asian Games Hockey Gold
India successfully defended its men’s hockey title at the Asian Games, securing its second consecutive gold medal in the event. The victory marked India’s fifth Asian Games gold in men’s hockey.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored twice in the final, while Jugraj Singh, Hardik Singh and Shilanand Lakra also found the net as India completed the 5-1 victory over Malaysia.
Punjab Players Part of Gold-Winning Squad
In his message, Bhagwant Mann highlighted the participation of eight players from Punjab in the Indian squad, including captain Harmanpreet Singh. He congratulated the players and the entire country on the team’s achievement.
The presence of several Punjab players in the gold-winning side was highlighted by the Chief Minister as a matter of particular significance for the state.
Manpreet Singh Creates Asian Games Record
Mann also highlighted veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh’s achievement of winning his third Asian Games gold medal. Hockey India and the Asian Games coverage confirmed that Manpreet became the first Indian hockey player to win three Asian Games gold medals, following his earlier titles in 2014 and 2022.
Direct Qualification for Los Angeles Olympics
India’s victory also secured a direct berth in the men’s hockey competition at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The qualification came through India’s Asian Games title, as confirmed by the International Hockey Federation.
The 2026 Asian Games also produced a first for Indian hockey, with both the men’s and women’s teams winning gold medals in the same edition of the Games.
