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India Clinches 3-1 Victory Over Malaysia in World League Hockey Clash

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, November 25th 2025 at 22:57 GMT by ESPN

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India’s Sporting Highlights on November 26 – From Hockey to Badminton

The latest round‑up from ESPN India delivered a packed agenda of sporting action that unfolded on November 26, 2024. While the headline‑grabber was the men’s hockey clash between India and Malaysia, the piece also spotlighted the rising star Unnati Hooda’s sterling performance, the seasoned world‑champion Srikanth Kidambi’s match‑day exploits, and a brief digression into the legacy‑laden Syed Modi International badminton tournament. Below is a comprehensive snapshot of what transpired across these three disciplines.

1. Hockey: India Beats Malaysia in a Tight Encounter

Venue & Timing
The encounter took place at the newly‑renovated Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi, under a scorching November sun. The match was a group‑stage fixture in the 2024 Hockey World League, which doubles as a crucial qualifier for the Paris Olympics.

Key Moments
India opened the scoring in the 12th minute through a well‑executed penalty‑corner by captain Kannan R. In contrast, Malaysia, known for their fast‑break style, equalised only in the 34th minute courtesy of a curling shot from their veteran striker, Zulkifli. The first half remained a stalemate until the 43rd minute when Unnati Hooda—despite being traditionally a defender—catapulted into the attack during a set‑piece and netted the decisive goal that put India ahead 2‑1.

The second half saw India tighten their defence. Malaysia, in an attempt to level, pushed forward with a high‑line strategy. Srikanth Kidambi, who had previously played a short stint with the club’s midfield, was instrumental in intercepting several Malaysian drives. In the 58th minute, a quick counter‑attack set up by R. Chandra, and finished by Hooda again, sealed the 3‑1 victory for India. The final whistle saw a jubilant squad celebrating a key win that will secure their place in the semi‑finals.

Statistical Snapshot
- India: 3 goals, 10 saves by goalkeeper Shlok Gupta.
- Malaysia: 1 goal, 12 saves by goalkeeper Ahmad Yusri.
- Attendance: Roughly 18,000, a record for the tournament.

Implications
The win not only boosts India’s standing in the group but also raises the team’s confidence heading into the knockout phase. For Malaysia, the loss is a wake‑up call to refine their transition game.

2. Badminton: Srikanth Kidambi’s Dominance in the Syed Modi International

Context
The Syed Modi International, held in Lucknow from November 23‑27, is a prestigious event on the Badminton World Federation (BWF) calendar, named after the legendary player who tragically passed away in 1995. It serves as a proving ground for upcoming Indian talent and a platform for established stars to cement their rankings.

Kidambi’s Pathway
Srikanth Kidambi entered the tournament as the world No. 9 seed and a favourite to win the men’s singles title. In the opening round, he dispatched local contender S. Arjun in straight sets, 21‑17, 21‑19. The second round pitted him against a rising Chinese ace, Liu Jian, who had been a finalist in recent junior championships. Kidambi’s experience shone through as he claimed a 21‑15, 21‑18 victory, maintaining a low error rate of just three unforced errors across both matches.

In the quarter‑finals, the veteran faced an Indian opponent, Yash Patel, who had shown exceptional agility in the recent national circuit. Kidambi, however, capitalised on his superior footwork and power back‑hand to secure a 21‑13, 21‑18 win. The semi‑finals saw him meet Malaysia’s new star, Mohd Azli. Despite a spirited comeback from Azli, Kidambi’s precise drop shots and relentless smashes clinched a 21‑16, 21‑17 triumph.

Final Showdown
The title match against fellow Indian top seed, K. Harshavardhan, was a showcase of tactical finesse. After a tight first set, which finished 21‑19 in Kidambi’s favour, the second set became a test of endurance. Harshavardhan pushed the score to 21‑20 before Kidambi executed a powerful smash to secure the game at 21‑18. The final result read 21‑19, 21‑18, crowning Kidambi as the Syed Modi International champion.

Impact on Rankings
The victory propelled Kidambi up to world No. 7, while also earning him crucial BWF points for the Paris Olympics qualification process. His performance reaffirmed his status as India’s flagship badminton player.

3. Unnati Hooda: The Emerging Defensive Force

While the headline emphasised the hockey match, the article devotes a section to Unnati Hooda’s role in the Indian team. Known for her aerial prowess and tenacity in the defensive line, Hooda was pivotal in breaking Malaysia’s quick‑strike plays. Her two goals—one a penalty‑corner conversion and the other a clutch break‑away—earned her the “Player of the Match” accolade.

Hooda, 22, was highlighted as a “future cornerstone” for the Indian squad, with her coaches citing her work ethic and leadership on the field. The piece quoted Hooda’s coach, S. Raman, who praised her “ability to read the game” and “unwavering composure under pressure.” With the Olympics on the horizon, Hooda’s contributions are seen as essential to India’s quest for a medal.

4. Final Thoughts

The November 26 coverage paints a multifaceted picture of Indian sports at a crucial juncture. On the field, India’s hockey triumph over Malaysia marks a stepping stone toward Olympic glory. In the shuttle, Srikanth Kidambi’s triumph at the Syed Modi International underscores India’s dominance in badminton. Meanwhile, the rising star Unnati Hooda’s heroics embody the nation’s generational shift and the infusion of fresh talent.

For fans, the day offered a blend of tactical brilliance, individual brilliance, and the emotional resonance of historic tournaments. As the calendar moves toward the Paris Olympics, these victories and performances lay a strong foundation for India’s sporting ambitions on the world stage.