In a thrilling final, India got the better of Pakistan to win the Asian Games men’s hockey gold after 16 years. India and Pakistan were locked 1-1 at the end of 60 minutes of regulation time. In a dramatic shootout, India prevailed 4-2 after goalkeeper Sreejesh brought off a couple of stunning saves.Â
The win ensures India a direct ticket to the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. India had to struggle to make the 2012 London Games where they finished last. This win has been the best so far under Australian coach Terry Walsh.
Pakistan reached the final beating Malaysian team on penalty-shoots by 6-5 on Tuesday. Both teams could not put any goal in the limited-time. The game transferred into the penalty-shoots, in which the Green-shirts hit 6 goals and Malaysia made 5 goals. Earlier, Paksitan team had defeated India by 2-1 in the group match.
After winning the men’s hockey gold and qualifying for the Olympics, India won it’s ninth yellow metal of the Games through the 4x400m women’s relay team.