India advances to men’s hockey final after thrilling semifinal win over Pakistan
File photo: Abhishek Nain scored a late winner for India against Pakistan. | Photo Credit: AFP
File photo: Abhishek Nain scored a late winner for India against Pakistan. | Photo Credit: AFP
India advanced to the men’s hockey final at the Asian Games 2026 after a thrilling 4-3 victory over Pakistan at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium on Thursday.
After taking a 3-0 lead in the first half, Harmanpreet Singh and Co. eased off the gas, allowing Pakistan to fight back and level the score at 3-3.
However, Abhishek struck with just 49 seconds left on the clock to send India through to the final.
India took the lead five minutes into the match when Harmanpreet converted a Penalty Corner after sustained pressure. Dilpreet Singh had a goal ruled out, but Harmanpreet added another before Sukhjeet Singh’s deflected effort put India 3-0 up in the second quarter.
Pakistan began plotting its comeback when Abu Mahmood converted a PC in the dying moments of the second quarter. Hannan Shahid then reduced the deficit to one before Rana Waheed completed the fightback to make it 3-3.
With time running out, Abhishek pounced on a loose ball and fired home to send India into the gold-medal match.
India will now face either Malaysia or South Korea in the final.
It is the first time since 1998 that both the Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams will compete in an Asian Games final.
Published on Oct 01, 2026
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