Aichi-Nagoya:Defensive weaknesses, particularly during penalty corners, were highlighted by national men's hockey head coach Brendon Carolan as a key factor in Malaysia's defeat to India in the final of the 2026 Asian Games.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Carolan noted that crucial defensive lapses led to Malaysia losing control of the match, forcing the team to chase after falling behind in goals. He expressed concern over the "cheap penalty corners" conceded, which disrupted the team's rhythm and contributed to their defeat.

Initially, Malaysia managed to match India's physical intensity, maintaining a balanced position in the first 20 minutes. However, repeated errors in the defensive box allowed India to capitalize through set-piece situations, putting pressure on Malaysia as the game progressed into the second half.

Carolan also pointed to the lack of consistent exposure against world-class teams as a reason for the decline in his team's performance towards the end of the match. He suggested that regular participation in high-tempo competitions like the Pro League could help Malaysian players better handle intense matches against top-tier teams.

Despite the disappointment in the final, Carolan commended his players for their efforts throughout the tournament, which included an impressive comeback against Pakistan. He emphasized that the national squad remains motivated, with their focus now shifting to the upcoming Olympic qualification tournaments.