Malaysia go down fighting to Asian hockey champions India

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Malaysia suffered a heartbreaking 4-2 loss to defending champions India in the Asian Champions Trophy at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar, Punjab, India on Sunday, marking their first defeat in four matches. India, the world's eighth-ranked team, had previously outdone Malaysia 5-1 in the Asian Games final last month.

India took an early lead in the third minute with a penalty corner converted by captain Harmanpreet Singh. Malaysia managed to level the score at 1-1 in the 25th minute through Akhimullah Anuar Esook. India regained the lead shortly after in the 33rd minute, another penalty corner scored by Harmanpreet Singh. Malaysia was reduced to 10 men in the 38th minute when defender Faiz Helmi Jali received a yellow card for an infringement, allowing India to capitalize with a goal by Sukhjeet Singh in the 43rd minute.

Harmanpreet Singh added his third goal of the match with a penalty stroke in the 58th minute. Shello Silverius managed to narrow the gap for Malaysia with a field goal in the 60th minute. Malaysia, who qualified for the semi-finals, will conclude the round-robin match against Japan tomorrow.