Gifu: Defending champions India booked their place in the men's hockey final at the Asian Games 2026 on Thursday, edging arch-rivals Pakistan 4-3 in a pulsating semifinal at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium.
India appeared to be cruising after racing into a 3-0 lead, only for Pakistan to claw their way back and level the contest early in the final quarter. Abhishek then produced the decisive moment with just 49 seconds left on the clock to send India through to the gold-medal match.
How the thriller unfolded
Captain Harmanpreet Singh converted two penalty corners, in the fifth and 13th minutes, to give India a 2-0 lead after a string of early set-piece opportunities. Dilpreet Singh had a goal chalked off, but Sukhjeet Singh made it 3-0 in the 23rd minute, deflecting home a cross driven in from the left flank.
Pakistan began their fightback shortly before half-time when Abu Mahmood converted a penalty corner in the 30th minute. Hannan Shahid reduced the deficit to one in the 45th minute, and Waheed Ashraf Rana completed the comeback in the 49th minute to make it 3-3.
With the match heading towards a tense finish, Abhishek took advantage of a loose ball in the 60th minute; his effort was saved twice before the ball eventually found its way in off a Pakistan stick, sealing a dramatic victory.
What comes next
India will face the winner of the second semifinal between Malaysia and South Korea in the final. The Asian Games champions will also earn a direct berth at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
The result created a slice of history: for the first time since 1998, both the Indian men's and women's hockey teams have reached the Asian Games final at the same edition. The women's team had booked their spot on Wednesday with a 2-0 semifinal win over South Korea, and will face defending champions China in Friday's final.
Sources:
Sportstar — India advances to men's hockey final after thrilling semifinal win over Pakistan
Times Now — India Beat Pakistan 4-3 In Thrilling Clash; Qualify For Asian Games 2026 Hockey Final
India appeared to be cruising after racing into a 3-0 lead, only for Pakistan to claw their way back and level the contest early in the final quarter. Abhishek then produced the decisive moment with just 49 seconds left on the clock to send India through to the gold-medal match.
How the thriller unfolded
Captain Harmanpreet Singh converted two penalty corners, in the fifth and 13th minutes, to give India a 2-0 lead after a string of early set-piece opportunities. Dilpreet Singh had a goal chalked off, but Sukhjeet Singh made it 3-0 in the 23rd minute, deflecting home a cross driven in from the left flank.
Pakistan began their fightback shortly before half-time when Abu Mahmood converted a penalty corner in the 30th minute. Hannan Shahid reduced the deficit to one in the 45th minute, and Waheed Ashraf Rana completed the comeback in the 49th minute to make it 3-3.
With the match heading towards a tense finish, Abhishek took advantage of a loose ball in the 60th minute; his effort was saved twice before the ball eventually found its way in off a Pakistan stick, sealing a dramatic victory.
What comes next
India will face the winner of the second semifinal between Malaysia and South Korea in the final. The Asian Games champions will also earn a direct berth at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
The result created a slice of history: for the first time since 1998, both the Indian men's and women's hockey teams have reached the Asian Games final at the same edition. The women's team had booked their spot on Wednesday with a 2-0 semifinal win over South Korea, and will face defending champions China in Friday's final.
Sources:
Sportstar — India advances to men's hockey final after thrilling semifinal win over Pakistan
Times Now — India Beat Pakistan 4-3 In Thrilling Clash; Qualify For Asian Games 2026 Hockey Final
