India hockey team edges Malaysia 4-3 in thrilling Sultan Azlan Shah Cup encounter

India’s men’s hockey team produced a thrilling performance to beat host Malaysia 4-3 in their third pool match at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, held at the Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia, on Wednesday. The tightly contested match saw both teams exchange leads in an intense back-and-forth battle, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

Selvam Karthi gave India an early advantage by opening the scoring, setting the tone for a fiercely competitive encounter. Sukhjeet Singh and veteran midfielder Amit Rohidas extended India’s lead with well-timed strikes, showcasing clinical finishing and composure under pressure. Malaysia fought back determinedly, finding the net twice to keep the hosts firmly in contention.

The decisive moment came in the 53rd minute when India earned a penalty stroke. Captain Sanjay calmly converted, securing the match-winning goal and sealing a hard-fought 4-3 victory.

With this win, India now has six points from three matches, placing them third in the pool and keeping their hopes alive for a spot in the final. The team will face New Zealand on Thursday in Ipoh(Malaysia) , in a crucial clash that could determine the finalists. The tournament format allows the top two teams from the pool stage to qualify for the final, so India must win their next match to remain in contention.

The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, named after the late Sultan of Perak, is one of the most prestigious annual men’s hockey tournaments, attracting top teams from around the world. This year’s edition has been marked by highly competitive matches and strong performances from all participating nations.

Hockey India praised the squad’s resilience, highlighting their grit and focus in a game that tested their nerves at every stage, reflecting the team’s growing confidence ahead of the final stages of the tournament.