New Delhi, Oct. 3 -- The blue turf at Kakamigahara was awaiting the coronation and the Indian men's hockey team delivered a masterclass to ensure their date with destiny was met with ruthless precision.

Following the historic triumph of the Indian women's team, who ended a 44-year drought by stunning China 1-0 in the final on Friday to punch their ticket to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the men stepped onto the pitch carrying the weight of unprecedented expectations.

By the time the hooter echoed through the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium on Saturday evening, Harmanpreet Singh and Co had dismantled a formidable Malaysian side 5-1 to defend their Asian Games gold medal for the first time, ensuring the nation's 21st gold and a fourth pla...