The Malaysia men's under-18 hockey squad created history when they qualified for the Youth Olympic Games after defeating South Korea in the semi-finals of the 2018 Youth Olympics Asian Qualifying on Friday.

In the match at Queen Sirikit Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, both teams were tied 4-4 before Malaysia won 5-4 in a penalty shootout to enter the final and clinch one of the two slots to the Youth Olympics, which will take place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from October 6 to 18.

Malaysia's four field goals were netted by Akhimullah Anuar Esook in the fourth and seventh minute, Noor Firdaus Rosdi in the 15th and Amirul Hamizan Azahar in the 22nd.  

"This is the first time we have qualified for the Youth Olympics... our players kept their cool right until the penalty shootout.

“We are meeting India tomorrow and we hope to keep our focus on the game after today’s euphoric win," said head coach Wallace Tan.

In the group stage, Malaysia finished at the top of Group B after defeating Cambodia 23-0, Taiwan 10-0, Bangladesh 7-4, Pakistan 12-1 and Singapore 7-1.

Meanwhile, the girls' squad failed to follow in their male counterparts' footsteps after losing 4-2 to India in the semi-finals.

The squad under Yahya Atan will meet South Korea for the third-fourth placing on Saturday.