Former Indian hockey player Pargat Singh has praised both the men’s and women’s Indian hockey teams for securing gold medals at the 2026 Asian Games, describing the achievement as a historic moment for Indian hockey. He expressed his hope that the blessings of the gods would continue for the teams and the state of Punjab.
The Indian men’s hockey team won the gold medal after defeating Malaysia 5-1 in the final on October 3, securing consecutive gold medals at the continental event for the first time. The women’s team also recorded a 1-0 victory over China to claim gold, marking the first occasion that both Indian men’s and women’s teams have won gold at the same Asian Games.
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Pargat Singh, a two-time Asian Games medalist, took to X to post: “Indian hockey is witnessing a historic moment. For the first time since 1998, both our men’s and women’s teams reached the Asian Games finals. After 44 years, the women won GOLD, followed by another GOLD for the men. Heartiest congratulations to both teams. May Mata Rani’s blessings remain with us, and may the future bring greater success for Punjab and our nation.”
This victory contributed to India’s total of 85
This victory contributed to India’s total of 85 medals at the Asian Games, including 21 gold, 27 silver, and 37 bronze medals, while also securing qualification for the LA Olympics 2028.
The men’s team made history by defending their Asian Games gold medal for the first time, winning consecutive titles in 2022 and 2026. This triumph marked India’s fifth men’s hockey gold at the Asian Games, following previous victories in 1966, 1998, 2014, and 2022.
With this achievement, hockey became the third Indian team sport, after kabaddi and cricket, to record a double gold podium finish at the event.
In the final against Malaysia, India took
In the final against Malaysia, India took the lead in the 12th minute through a penalty corner conversion by Harmanpreet Singh. Malaysia equalised shortly after, but Jugraj Singh restored India’s lead with another penalty corner in the 23rd minute, leading 2-1 at halftime.
India extended their lead in the 43rd minute when Hardik Singh converted a penalty stroke, awarded following a deflection involving Mandeep Singh. Further goals followed in the 55th minute by Shilanand Lakra and another penalty corner conversion by Harmanpreet Singh in the 57th minute, bringing the score to 5-1.
India maintained control in the closing stages to clinch the gold medal and secure back-to-back men’s hockey titles at the Asian Games.
Source: thenewsmill.com
