Malaysian players celebrate their second goal against India during the field hockey semi-final at the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou. -Photo by AFP

GUANGZHOU: India’s hockey coach Harendra Singh resigned on Tuesday soon after his team crashed to a 4-3 defeat to Malaysia in the Asian Games hockey semi-final.

Harendra wrote out his resignation letter to Hockey India chiefs soon after the match, saying he took “moral responsibility” for the defeat.

“Keeping in view the dismal performance in the semi-final, I hereby tender my resignation as the national coach of the men’s hockey team with immediate effect,” he wrote in the letter.

“I accept moral responsibility for the debacle at the Asian Games.”

India’s chief coach, Spaniard Jose Brasa, whose contract ends after the Games, said he was unsure if he will be granted an extension.

“I don’t think it (an extension) will happen,” said Brasa.—AFP