{
  "id": 11345470,
  "title": "Marhan refuses to let past Asiad heartbreaks repeat",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/marhan-refuses-to-let-past-asiad-heartbreaks-repeat",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-02T03:35:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/hockey/2026/10/1546024/marhan-refuses-let-past-asiad-heartbreaks-repeat"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysia's national men's hockey team captain, Marhan Jalil, is determined to overcome past heartbreaks and lead his team to victory in the upcoming Asian Games final against defending champions India at Gifu Stadium. Marhan, who has previously participated in two finals in 2010 and 2018, aims to help Malaysia secure the gold medal, which would automatically qualify them for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. In the 2010 final, Malaysia suffered a 2-0 defeat against Pakistan, while the 2018 final ended in a 6-6 draw with Japan, resulting in a 3-1 loss in the penalty shootout and Malaysia missing out on automatic qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.\n\nMarhan acknowledges India's superior individual skills and exposure to high-intensity competitions, such as the FIH Pro League. However, he remains confident that Malaysia can compete and potentially defeat the defending champions if they maintain their energy and playing intensity. He reminds everyone that Malaysia previously triumphed over India in the 2018 Asian Games semi-finals. The captain believes that playing as underdogs can be an advantage, as the pressure is on India, which allows Malaysia's players to approach the final with high motivation. Marhan hopes that the team can execute their plan and go into the match with a strong desire to win.",
  "summary": "GIFU: National men's hockey team captain Marhan Jalil refuses to let disappointment repeat itself as he features for the third time in the Asian Games final, this time against defending champions India at Gifu Stadium on Saturday.",
  "key_points": [
    "Marhan Jalil aims to overcome past Asiad heartbreaks.",
    "Malaysia seeks gold medal for automatic 2028 Olympics qualification.",
    "Captain confident in underdog strategy to defeat India."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Marhan's determination to overcome past heartbreaks signals a mindset shift that could allow Malaysia to capitalize on India's pressure and exploit their own underdog status in the Asian Games final.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}