Goalkeeper Vivek Lakda Shines as India Defeats Malaysia 3-0

The second half saw Lakda pull off two vital interventions in quick succession, denying Malaysia’s aerial threats in the 34th and 36th minutes. A yellow card to Manmeet Singh Rai reduced India to ten men temporarily, but the team quickly regained momentum. In the 51st minute forward Sukhwinder executed a clean finish after a sharp counter‑attack, putting India 2-0 up. Lakda then saved a penalty stroke with a swift dive to his left, preserving the clean sheet. Akka’s third drag‑flick from a 54th‑minute penalty corner sealed the 3-0 scoreline, and Lakda’s composure under pressure earned him widespread praise.