Asia Cup Hockey: After 10 yrs, India crowned champs

Dhaka: India ended their 10-year wait for continental triumph, beating Malaysia 2-1 in the final to clinch their third Asia Cup hockey title here on Sunday. India’s last Asia Cup triumph came in 2007 at Chennai.

Ramandeep Singh (3rd minute) and Lalit Upadhyay (29th) scored against Malaysia, the latter featuring in their maiden final having clinched a bronze in Chennai.

Malaysia fought valiantly and scored in the 50th minute through Shahril Saabah. India nervously saw out the last 10 minutes to claim the title.

Pakistan took the bronze medal, edging out South Korea 6-3 in the third-fourth place play-off match earlier in the day.

India’s new chief coach Marijne Sjoerd got an ideal start to his tenure, winning his first tournament with the team.

India finished unbeaten in the tournament, winning all their matches save for a 1-1 draw against South Korea in the Super 4 stage.

It was India’s second victory over Malaysia in the tournament, having beaten them 6-2 in the Super 4 stage.

India took an early lead through Ramandeep, who scored from a rebound after his initial deflection from S.V. Sunil’s cross hit the post.

Malaysia goalkeeper Kumar Subramaniam then made a double save, first blocking Akashdeep Sinh’s shot and then denying Amit Rohidas.

Lalit doubled India’s lead when he beautifully deflected home Sumit’s reverse hit cross from the left flank.

Lalit and Ramandeep came close to extending India’s lead after the half time but their shots went wide.

Malaysia were desperate to score in the final quarter. They got encouragement when Saabah scored from close range.

The Indian defenders endured a nervous last 10 minutes as Malaysia increased the pressure.

Malaysia got a golden opportunity to take the match into shoot-out in the form of their third penalty corner but couldn’t capitalise, allowing India to savour the victory.