Kakamigahara, October 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India survived a dramatic Pakistan comeback to register a 4-3 victory in the men’s hockey semi-final at the Asian Games 2026 on Thursday, securing a place in the final and confirming another medal for the defending champions.
India looked set for a comfortable win after building a 3-0 lead, but Pakistan fought back to level the score early in the final quarter. Abhishek struck in the dying seconds to seal the victory and take India within one win of securing direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Harmanpreet Singh opened the scoring in the fifth minute, finding the net through Pakistan goalkeeper Muneeb-ur-Rehman Raza’s legs after a series of penalty corners. He doubled India’s lead in the 13th minute with another powerful penalty-corner strike.
Sukhjeet Singh extended the advantage to 3-0 in the 23rd minute, finishing a move initiated by Manpreet Singh’s ball recovery and Shilanand Lakra’s run down the left. Pakistan reduced the deficit through Abu Mahmood, who converted a penalty corner in the 30th minute.
Hannan Shahid scored in the 45th minute to make it 3-2 before Rana Waheed equalised three minutes into the final quarter, raising the prospect of a shootout.
However, Abhishek found space on the right side of the circle and managed a deflection that carried the ball past Raza in the final minute, restoring India’s lead. Pakistan could not find another equaliser before the final hooter.
The win extended India’s unbeaten run against Pakistan to 21 matches and kept their title defence on track. India will face the winner of the second semi-final between South Korea and Malaysia in the gold-medal match.
India’s men and women have both reached the Asian Games hockey finals for the first time since 1998. The women will face defending champions China, giving both Indian teams an opportunity to win gold at the same edition of the Games for the first time.
FOLLOW NOW
