India's men's hockey team secured a gripping 4-3 comeback victory over Malaysia in the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) final, amplifying their preparations for the impending Hangzhou Asian Games. This triumph marks their fourth ACT title and is touted as a significant confidence boost in their pursuit of the Asian Games gold, which holds the key to an automatic berth at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The final saw the Indian side rally from a 1-3 deficit at half-time to clinch the trophy. Head coach Craig Fulton hailed the team's resilience, emphasising the significance of such high-pressure matches as a prelude to major events like the Asian Games.
"Finals always have their unexpected turns. It's often decided by critical moments or shootouts. While this victory at ACT is monumental, our primary focus remains on the Asian Games. Winning there is the ultimate goal," stated Fulton.
Analysing the final's performance, Fulton recognized the challenge of playing back-to-back high-intensity matches. India's emphatic 5-0 win over Japan in the semifinals, according to him, was a testament to their form. However, facing a rejuvenated Malaysian side that dominated the initial half wasn't a walk in the park.
"Our performance against Malaysia highlighted our team's character. Regrouping during half-time, we believed a single goal could change the momentum. This belief, combined with the camaraderie between senior and junior players, proved vital," Fulton noted.
He further elaborated on the team's dynamics, "Overcoming a two-goal lag truly showcases our side's grit. It's one thing to play when leading and another to mount a comeback."
While crediting the team for their second-half resurgence, Fulton conceded that their first-half performance left much to be desired. He added, "We are on an exciting journey, but there's still another milestone ahead of us."
The proximity of the Asian Champions Trophy to the Asian Games had raised concerns among several teams. Fulton also hinted at the challenges of such tight scheduling, suggesting that teams might benefit from spaced-out tournaments.
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