Malaysia go down fighting to Asian hockey champions India

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia went down 4-2 to defending champions India in the Asian Champions Trophy at Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar, Punjab, India on Sunday.

It was Malaysia's first defeat in four matches.

World No. 8 India, who beat Malaysia 5-1 in the Asian Games final last month, drew first blood in the third minute off a penalty corner converted by captain Harmanpreet Singh.

Malaysia equalised through Akhimullah Anuar Esook from close range in the 25th minute.

India, who are gunning for their sixth Asian Champions Trophy, regained the lead off another penalty corner through Harmanpreet in the 33rd minute.

In the 38th minute, Malaysia were down to 10 men after defender Faiz Helmi Jali was flashed the yellow card for an infringement, and India took the opportunity to score through Sukhjeet Singh in the 43rd minute.

Harmanpreet then bagged his third goal off a penalty stroke in the 58th minute.

Shello Silverius narrowed the deficit for Malaysia off a field goal in the 60th minute.

Malaysia, who have qualified for the semi-finals, will wrap up the round robin match against Japan tomorrow.