They may not have dazzled with a free-flowing front line from minute one, but when the final second ticked over, India were happy to have got the job done. Aside from Shilanand Lakra, whose stick flashed like a magic wand all night, glossy and subtle, yet full of surprises and suspense, the Indians traded champagne hockey for steel-like efficiency.

They picked up their historic fifth Asian Games gold, secured an unprecedented double gold alongside the Indian women’s team, and punched a direct ticket to the LA Olympics, the most important aspect of this gold medal win.