India beat Pakistan 4-3 in Asian Games hockey semifinal, Harmanpreet scores twice
The defending champions reached the final after Abhishek struck the winner in the closing minutes against a late Pakistan fightback.
The Indian men's hockey team beat Pakistan 4-3 in a thrilling semifinal of the Asian Games 2026 and moved into the final. The win secures another medal for defending champions India.
India dominated the match for most of the time. Pakistan made a strong comeback bid towards the end, but a goal from Abhishek in the final minutes sealed India's win.
India attacked from the start and scored in the fifth minute. After winning several penalty corners, Harmanpreet Singh put India ahead by slipping the ball between the legs of Pakistan goalkeeper Muneeb ur Rehman Raza. In the 13th minute Harmanpreet scored again from another penalty corner to double India's lead.
Pakistan had to deal with India's strategy in the opening quarter, but the game shifted a little after the break. Sukhjeet Singh made it 3-0 in the 23rd minute. The move began with Manpreet Singh winning possession, while Shilanand Lakra advanced down the left and helped set up the goal.
Pakistan pulled one back before half-time. Abu Ahmad converted a penalty corner in the 30th minute to make it 3-1. The game continued to swing after half-time, and Hannan Shahid scored another goal in the 45th minute.
In the third minute of the final quarter, Rana Waheed scored from the right to level the match at 3-3. India had been leading 3-0 and appeared headed for an easy win, but Pakistan drew level. India then faced the threat of a shootout. Abhishek scored the fourth goal moments before the end to win the match for India.
In the final, India will now face the winner of the other semifinal between South Korea and Malaysia.
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