Defending champions India edged past arch rivals Pakistan 4-3 in a dramatic semi-final to secure their place in the men’s hockey final at the Asian Games 2026 on Thursday.
India made a flying start and established a 2-0 advantage in the opening quarter with skipper Harmanpreet Singh scoring twice from penalty corners with his trademark dragflicks.
How did Harmanpreet Singh open the scoring for India?
Pakistan created the first opportunity of the contest in the third minute but Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera stood firm to deny them. India won their first penalty corner a minute later and continued to press before Harmanpreet broke the deadlock in the fifth minute firing the ball through Ali Reza’s legs. The Indian captain struck again in the 13th minute. Harmanpreet unleashed a fierce low dragflick from another penalty corner beating the post defender and rusher to put India firmly in command.
How did Sukhjeet Singh score India’s third goal in the second quarter?
Pakistan won several penalty corners late in the first quarter but failed to breach India’s defence. India maintained their attacking pressure in the second period and added a third goal in the 24th minute. Shilanand Lakra burst forward from the left before finding Sukhjeet Singh who produced a neat deflection from close range to make it 3-0.
How did Pakistan pull a goal back before half-time?
Pakistan reduced the deficit five minutes before half-time. Abu Baker’s dragflick struck Mohith and the deflection wrong-footed Karkera allowing the ball to trickle into the net as Pakistan went into the break 3-1 down.
How did Pakistan capitalize on a green card to close the gap?
India remained the stronger side in the third quarter but could not convert their chances into another goal. Pakistan gradually regained momentum and were rewarded after Dilpreet Singh received a green card in the 44th minute. With India temporarily reduced to 10 players, Hannan Shahid capitalised on the advantage to bring Pakistan within one goal at 3-2. The comeback was completed in the 49th minute. Pakistan worked the ball into India’s circle from the right and Waheed Rana finished the move to level the contest at 3-3.
How did Amit Rohidas deny Pakistan a late lead?
Both teams pushed relentlessly for the winner as the match entered its final stages. Pakistan were awarded a penalty corner in the 54th minute but Amit Rohidas produced an important block to keep the scores level.
What happened during the video review in the dying minutes?
India appeared to have another penalty corner with around 90 seconds left on the clock only for Pakistan to successfully challenge the decision. The review overturned the call with India instead awarded a free hit.
How did India score the winning goal with 50 seconds remaining?
However India eventually found the breakthrough with just 50 seconds remaining. Abhishek’s initial attempt was kept out by the goalkeeper while the rebound was also denied. The ball then took a deflection off a Pakistan stick and found its way into the net handing India a dramatic 4-3 lead. Pakistan had no time to produce another response as India held on for a thrilling victory. The defending champions thus booked their place in the men’s hockey final at the Asian Games 2026.