India defeat Malaysia 2-1 to clinch 3rd Asia Cup Hockey title

India defeat Malaysia 2-1 to clinch 3rd Asia Cup Hockey title

India ended their 10-year wait for continental triumph when they beat a gutsy Malaysia 2-1 in a nail-biting final to clinch their third Asia Cup hockey title in Dhaka on Sunday. India, which won the Asia Cup last time in 2007 in Chennai, scored from field efforts through Ramandeep Singh (3rd minute) and Lalit Upadhyay (29th) to dash Malaysian hopes. Malaysia were in summit clash for the first time since tournament’s inception.

India vs Malaysia, Asia Cup Final

The ever-improving Malaysians, however, fought valiantly and didn’t give up for a single minute. Their efforts bore fruit in the 50th minute when Shahril Saabah pulled one goal back. The Indians, ranked sixth in the world, were in for nervous last 10 minutes but the defence did enough to hold on to the lead.

For India’ new chief coach Marijne Sjoerd, it was perfect start to his stint as the Asia Cup was his maiden tournament

For India’ new chief coach Marijne Sjoerd, it was perfect start to his stint as the Asia Cup was his maiden tournament in charge of the senior national side.

India vs Pakistan

Earlier in the tournament, India routed Pakistan 4-0 as Gurjant Singh, Lalit, Satbir and Harmanpreet scored goals in their Super 4 encounter in Dhaka.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan tweets this image and congratulated team India

INDIA beats Malaysia in Hockey and becomes ASIAN Champions .. congratulations India team .. you are making us feel so proud !!

Indian Hockey team arrives in Delhi after winning the Asia Cup Hockey

Indian Hockey team arrived in Delhi after winning the Asia Cup Hockey 2017