Asian Champions Trophy Hockey 2023: India stage incredible comeback against Malaysia to clinch record 4th title
India staged an incredible comeback against Malaysia in the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy final 4-3 to clinch a record fourth title at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in Chennai on Saturday (August 12).
The pulsating final began with Malaysia seizing the early tempo. However, India’s Akashdeep quickly intercepted the ball, seemingly initiating an early attack. Malaysia’s Azrai tried to burst into the Indian circle from the left flank, but he was quickly halted by the stout defense of Jarmanpreet.
Asian Champions Trophy final highlights
Vivek crucially rescued India as Saari, after a smooth build-up play by Malaysia on the right flank, attempted to take the ball away inside the circle. Vivek’s interception and ensuing surge on the right flank was a vital counter move. Following a poor tackle on Karthi, India won a penalty corner. The stage was set for Jugraj who fired a powerful dragflick past the Malaysian goalie and defenders, putting India ahead 1-0 in the 9th minute.
However, Malaysia responded swiftly with Arzai equalizing in the 14th minute from a deflected pass by Hasan. The first quarter ended in a deadlock with scores levelled at 1-1. In the second quarter, Malaysia took the reins, capitalizing on their penalty corners.
Despite flunking the first one, Rahim, a seasoned player, drilled a successful one past the Indian defense and goalie in the 18th minute. This put Malaysia ahead by 2-1. Meanwhile, India’s Mandeep attempted a valiant tomahawk shot from the right flank, but it veered wide of the goal. The Malaysians further extended their lead to 3-1 in the 27th minute with a high shot from Aminudin on a penalty corner that left the Indian goalie absolutely helpless. The first half concluded with Malaysia comfortably leading by two goals.
In the exciting second half, Sumit received an aerial ball right at the edge of the circle on India’s side. Unfortunately, there was no other Indian player to capitalize on his shot into the circle. For the Malaysians, it was Jali who made a determined push into the circle. His reverse swipe, however, was foiled by a fantastic save from Pathak – renewing Indian hopes and keeping them in the game.
Malaysia, not one to hold back, struck back with Jazlan’s determined corner shot which, to the relief of Indian fans, was saved yet again. Using this momentum, India launched a counter-attack, with Mandeep’s shot being saved and Jarmanpreet’s effort sadly missing the target.
As tensions boiled over, Rahim from the Malaysian side committed a foul, resulting in India being awarded a penalty stroke. Harmanpreet stepped up to the challenge and expertly sent the ball high, earning India a crucial goal in the 44th minute. The scoreboard now read India 2-3 Malaysia. The Indian team charged ahead again. Harmanpreet artfully lobbed the ball, setting off a flurry of passes which eventually found their way to Karthi. He managed to find Gurjant in a prime position, allowing him to tap in a goal and equalize the scores at 3-3.
By the time the third quarter drew to a close, both teams had showcased some spectacular hockey, leaving spectators and players alike on the edge of their seats. The final quarter of the exhilarating match began amidst the deafening roars of the crowd.
Indian star player, Manpreet, took the charge, attempting to infiltrate the Malaysian defence circle. However, his attempt did not follow through as the ball was stripped from his control. This counter resulted in Malaysia procuring a penalty corner, and the pressure was on.
The Malaysia team did not waste its opportunity, going forth with a powerful drag-flick. However, Indian defender, Rohidas, exhibited commendable courage and skill, reducing the space and blocking the shot effectively, preserving the status quo of the game. Maintaining their aggression, the Indians then earned themselves a penalty corner. Karthi managed to feed the ball into the Malaysian circle, it hit an opponent’s foot, resulting in a penalty for India.
Eyes on the target, Hamanpreet stepped up for the drag-flick, but his shot flew wide, causing a collective sigh of disappointment from the Indian crowd. All was not lost though, as Sukhjeet managed to win the position high up the pitch, subsequently passing the ball to Mandeep. Mandeep, in turn, set it up perfectly for Akashdeep, whose powerful strike found the back of the net. The goal thundered India into the lead, 4-3, in the 56th minute of the game.
The home crowd erupted in jubilation, voicing their collective joy in the support of their nation. As the final hooter sounded, signalling the end of the match, the Indians had done it; they had successfully staged a brave fightback to seal a thrilling 4-3 victory against a defiant Malaysia team.
