India’s men’s hockey team kept its title defence alive with a dramatic 4-3 victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asian Games semi-final on Thursday.
The Indian men’s hockey team edged past its arch-rivals, Pakistan, in a thrilling hockey semifinal clash at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya on Thursday. The country’s nail-biting victory helped it enter the final of the men’s hockey event.
The nation has also secured direct qualification for the men’s hockey event at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
India maintained its dominance in its 2026 Asian Games campaign and has been running undefeated in the continental showpiece so far. Their competitive brilliance helped them reach a spot where they are just a win away from securing gold.
India-Pakistan engage in thrilling hockey action
India gained early control in the first quarter, with captain Harmanpreet Singh successfully converting two penalty corners through his trademark dragflicks. Pakistan also tried to be aggressive, getting their first shot right on target in the game’s first three minutes.
But goalkeeper Suraj Kakera’s brilliant save restricted them from opening their account.
Harmanpreet opened India’s scoring account in the fifth minute after finding the gap through the PAK custodian’s legs. He doubled the country’s lead in the 13th minute with a powerful drag-flick, as the ball went past the defender and rusher and into the nets.
More from Hockey NewsIndia extended its lead to 3-0 when Shilanand sent a pass from the left, and Sukhjeet deflected it into the goal.
Pakistan managed to score in the 30th minute, courtesy of Abu Baker’s drag-flick, which hit Mohith, and the ball rolled inside the goalpost. Hannan Shahid also scored for Pakistan to make it 3-2.
In the fourth quarter, Waheed Rana entered the circle from the eight to level the score 3-3.
How did India reach the final?
India breached through to gain a 4-3 lead with just 50 seconds remaining on the clock. Abhishek’s attempt was initially blocked by the PAK goalie, who also managed to stop the rebound.
But the ball was deflected off a PAK player’s stick, and the ball found the back of the net, helping India claim a lead in the semifinal.
With the game in its dying moments, Pakistan desperately attempted to equalise the score, and India held their nerve to seal a thrilling victory and secure a place in the men’s hockey final at the Asian Games.
India will take on the winner of the second semifinal between South Korea and Malaysia in the final on Saturday.