JALANDHAR, November 1: Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh produced a sensational hat-trick as the defending champions defeated Malaysia 4-2 to register their fourth consecutive victory at the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 on Sunday.
Harmanpreet struck in the 3rd, 33rd and 58th minutes, converting two penalty corners and a penalty stroke, while Sukhjeet Singh (43′) scored the other goal for India. Akhimullah Anuar (25′) and Shello Silverius (60′) were on target for Malaysia.
The victory extended India’s unbeaten run in the tournament and consolidated their position at the top of the standings with 12 points from four matches. Harmanpreet was named Player of the Match.
In a repeat of the Asian Games 2026 gold-medal clash, India once again proved too strong for Malaysia, although the visitors put up a spirited fight in the first half.
Harmanpreet opened the scoring in the third minute through a penalty-corner variation involving Jugraj Singh. Malaysia gradually fought their way back and restored parity in the 25th minute through Anuar’s penalty-corner conversion.
India regained the lead in the 33rd minute when Harmanpreet converted another penalty corner. The hosts then capitalised on a numerical advantage after Malaysia’s Faiz Jali received a 10-minute yellow card in the 38th minute.
Sukhjeet made it 3-1 in the 43rd minute, finishing a superb pass from Hardik Singh with a backhand effort.Despite a temporary numerical advantage following Harmanpreet’s yellow card in the 48th minute, Malaysia failed to reduce the deficit. India eventually sealed the contest when Harmanpreet converted a penalty stroke in the 58th minute to complete his hat-trick.
Silverius scored a late consolation goal for Malaysia in the final minute, but India had done enough to secure another impressive victory.
Speaking after the match, Harmanpreet said winning the title on home soil remained India’s biggest motivation.“We are here for gold… Our only target is to win at home… All the youngsters coming in are doing well,” he said.
He also credited the passionate Jalandhar crowd for inspiring the team, urging supporters to continue backing the defending champions.
India lead the six-team standings with 12 points and a goal difference of +21. Malaysia are second with nine points, followed by Japan (seven) and South Korea (six). All four teams have secured semi-final berths, while China and Bangladesh are eliminated.
Harmanpreet also leads the tournament’s scoring chart with eight goals.India will face South Korea in their final league-stage encounter on Monday, November 2, at 7 pm IST.
