Asian Games 2026: India beats Pakistan 4‑3, enters Men’s Hockey the Finals
Kakamigahara, October 1: India stormed into the men’s hockey final of the Asian Games 2026 after Abhishek’s brilliant last‑minute strike sealed a thrilling 4‑3 victory over Pakistan at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium, where India led 3‑0 before Pakistan fought back to level, only for Abhishek to deliver the decisive goal with 49 seconds remaining.
With this victory, India continued its unbeaten run against Pakistan. India’s last defeat against Pakistan came in the 2016 South Asian Games final. Craig Fulton’s team continues its unbeaten run against Asian rivals in the Asian Games as well.
Another highlight of this victory was that for the first time since 1998, both the Indian men’s and women’s teams reached the Asian Games hockey final. The women’s team has already qualified for the gold medal match.
India started the match strongly, and in the fifth minute, captain Harmanpreet Singh converted a penalty corner to give the team a 1-0 lead. Dilpreet Singh scored in the eighth minute, but the goal was disallowed after a Pakistani review.
India, however, maintained the pressure, and in the 13th minute, Harmanpreet converted another penalty corner to increase India’s lead to 2-0. Then, in the 23rd minute, Sukhjeet Singh scored to give India a 3-0 lead. Shilanand Lakra made a quick advance from the left and put the ball in front of the goal, where Sukhjeet put it in.
After falling behind by three goals, Pakistan began their comeback. In the 30th minute, Abu Mahmood converted a penalty corner to make it 3-1. India led 3-1 at the end of the first half.
Pakistan increased the pressure in the third quarter, and Hannan Shahid scored in the 45th minute to make it 3-2. Then, in the 49th minute, Rana Waheed converted a pass from the right to give Pakistan a 3-3 draw.
Following the draw, the match became extremely exciting, and both teams pressed for the decisive goal. Just 49 seconds before the end of the stipulated time, Abhishek seized an opportunity on the right side of the circle and fired a powerful shot. The ball deflected off the Pakistani goalkeeper’s leg, giving India a 4-3 lead, a decisive advantage.
India will now face the winner of the second semi-final between Malaysia and South Korea for the gold medal.
