Speedy Tigers thrash Thailand 10-0 to maintain perfect Asian Games start

NAGOYA, Japan – Malaysia’s national men’s hockey squad continued their impressive run at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games by thrashing Thailand 10-0 in their Group B match in Gifu today.

Forwards Faizal Saari and Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal scored twice each in the match at Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium.

Faizal opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a penalty-corner conversion before Muhajir Abdu Rauf doubled Malaysia’s lead from another penalty corner two minutes later.

Azrai then added a field goal a minute later before defender Aminudin Mohd Zain made it 4-0 with another field goal in the 28th minute.

The South African-coached side continued their onslaught with two field goals within a minute from Faizal and midfielder Ashran Hamsani in the 35th minute.

Malaysia continued their goal feast after the interval, with Azrai completing his brace in the 41st minute before Shello Silverius, Faiz Helmi Jali and Akhimullah Anuar Esook added four more field goals in the 55th, 59th and final minutes respectively.

The third consecutive victory saw Malaysia top Group B with nine points, followed by Pakistan and China on six points each, while Oman, Uzbekistan and Thailand remained pointless.

The Speedy Tigers had opened their campaign with a 7-0 win over Uzbekistan last Sunday before thrashing Oman by the same scoreline on Tuesday.

Malaysia will next face Pakistan on Saturday before wrapping up their group campaign against China next Monday.

Only the top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.

The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, which began last Saturday, will run until Oct 4. –BERNAMA