Indian team defeated Pakistan in the Hockey semi-final of the Asian Games 2026 (Img: X/ Hockey India)
Nagoya: India survived a dramatic Pakistan comeback to beat their arch-rivals 4-3 in a thrilling men's hockey semifinal at the Asian Games 2026 in Kakamigahara, Japan, on Thursday.
The defending champions appeared to be cruising after building a three-goal advantage, but Pakistan fought back to level the contest before Abhishek struck with just 45 seconds remaining to send India into the gold-medal match.
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗔 𝗪𝗔𝗬 𝗧𝗢 𝗠𝗔𝗞𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟! 🇮🇳🔥
India beat Pakistan 4-3, thanks to a last-minute goal in a nail-biting Asian Games 2026 semi-final, to book a place in the final and keep their title defence alive! 🏑⚡
The Indian Men’s Team now stand just one win away… pic.twitter.com/J8vmZzR8K1
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) October 1, 2026
India started aggressively and earned multiple penalty corners in the opening quarter. Captain Harmanpreet Singh eventually broke the deadlock in the fifth minute, finding the net with a powerful strike.
Harmanpreet doubled India's advantage eight minutes later, again converting from a penalty corner as India dominated possession and territory.
Sukhjeet Singh then made it 3-0 in the 23rd minute, finishing a move created by Manpreet Singh and Shilanand Lakra.
Pakistan finally found a breakthrough shortly before half-time when Abu Mahmood converted a penalty corner to make it 3-1.
The match changed dramatically after the interval. Hannan Shahid pulled another goal back in the 45th minute, giving Pakistan renewed belief.
Just three minutes into the final quarter, Rana Waheed completed Pakistan's comeback by making it 3-3.
India were suddenly under enormous pressure after surrendering their three-goal cushion, but the defending champions held their nerve.
With the match heading towards a tense finish, Abhishek produced the decisive moment. His effort took a deflection and beat Pakistan goalkeeper Muneeb-ur-Rehman Raza with only 45 seconds remaining.
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Pakistan could not find another response before the final hooter, and India secured a 4-3 victory.
The win takes India into the Asian Games gold-medal match, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal between Malaysia and South Korea. The Asian Games hockey champion will also earn direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
