Hockey Asia Cup 2025: Malaysia beats China to win bronze; Japan eases past Bangladesh to finish fifth

Malaysia edged out China 4-1 to claim bronze, while Japan triumphed over Bangladesh 5-1 to finish fifth, before host India takes on the defending champion Korea in the grand finale of Asia Cup 2025 at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium on Sunday.

Following a difficult 7-0 loss to India, China’s team was back on the field, eager to prove itself in a high-stakes bronze medal match against Malaysia. Its opponent, also coming off a tough semifinal defeat to Korea, was equally determined to secure a spot on the podium.

The Chinese squad looked understandably fatigued, playing less than 20 hours after its bruising encounter with the host team. Meanwhile, Malaysia, under the guidance of coach Sarjit Kundan, appeared fresh and ready to capitalise on its opponent’s exhaustion.

Much of Malaysia’s success and popularity throughout the tournament was thanks to its star attacker, Akhimullah Anuar.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

Having already scored an impressive 29 goals in its six previous matches, the Malaysian players established their offensive prowess. The crowd in Rajgir was firmly on Malaysia’s side, roaring with excitement as its team took control of the game. It didn’t take long for the “banana-skin team” to make its mark. Just nine minutes in, it earned a penalty corner. A mere 15 seconds later, Norsyafiq Sumantri found the back of the net, slotting the ball home in a chaotic scramble after the initial drag-flick was blocked by China’s defence.

Much of Malaysia’s success and popularity throughout the tournament was thanks to its star attacker, Akhimullah Anuar. The 25-year-old had become a crowd favourite and the tournament’s top-scorer, with an astounding 12 goals to his name — five more than his closest competitor Harmanpreet Singh before the final. He added two more to that tally during the match.

ALSO READ | Coach Sarjit Kundan keeps Malaysia grounded despite flying form

Anuar’s creativity and skill, often in tandem with the talented Fitri Saari, were on full display. The two combined for Malaysia’s third goal, with Anuar once again finding the net. China managed to find a consolation goal in the final quarter, but by then the damage was done. It was too little, too late. Malaysia made it 4-1 in the last minute of the encounter, clinching the bronze medal and capping off a truly memorable tournament run.

Earlier in the day, in a performance that was nothing short of a masterclass, Japan put on a stunning display of skill and dominance, dispatching Bangladesh with a ruthless 5-1 victory to secure a fifth-place finish.

The final score was a true reflection of the match, as Bangladesh found itself unable to mount any meaningful resistance against its Japanese counterparts. From the very first whistle, Japan exploded out of the gate, its attack a whirlwind of precision and power.

FILE PHOTO: The hero of the day was undeniably Ryosuke Shinohara, whose brilliant hat-trick carved the path to Japan’s triumph.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

It capitalised on both of its first-quarter penalty corners, with the goals resulting from relentless pressure. After the initial drag-flicks were blocked by the scrambling Bangladeshi defence, the ball fell to Japan’s forwards, who pounced on the opportunity to convert the rebounds.

Japan’s offensive onslaught continued throughout the match. With at least three dozen entries into the circle, it earned a staggering ten penalty corners and created a flurry of open-play chances. Almost every foray forward was a threat.

The hero of the day was undeniably Ryosuke Shinohara, whose brilliant hat-trick carved the path to Japan’s triumph. His three goals were a dagger to the heart of the Bangladeshi defence, leaving them shattered and demoralised.

For Mosiur Rahman Biplob’s men, it was an evening of sheer frustration. A late consolation goal from Amirul Islam in the final five minutes offered little solace as the Bangladeshi players, visibly dejected, spent the evening trading blame every time their defensive “D” was breached.

Published on Sep 07, 2025