The Indian men’s hockey team produced a dramatic late fightback of its own to edge arch-rivals Pakistan 4–3 in a pulsating semifinal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Thursday, booking their place in the gold-medal match.
India appeared firmly in control after racing to a 3–0 lead, but Pakistan launched a stunning second-half comeback to level the contest at 3–3 and set up a tense final quarter.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh was instrumental in India’s early dominance, scoring twice from penalty corners in the opening quarter. His first came in the fifth minute before another powerful drag-flick in the 13th minute doubled India’s advantage.
India extended the lead in the 24th minute when Sukhjeet Singh got the final touch on a move created by Shilanand Lakra, making it 3–0.
Pakistan, however, refused to go quietly. Abu Baker pulled one back in the 29th minute, leaving India 3–1 ahead at half-time.
The momentum shifted further after the break. Hannan Shahid reduced the deficit to 3–2 in the 44th minute before Waheed Rana completed Pakistan’s comeback in the 49th minute to make it 3–3.
With the match seemingly heading into a nerve-wracking finish, India found the decisive breakthrough with less than a minute remaining.
Abhishek’s initial effort was saved, but the ball stayed alive inside the circle before eventually deflecting off a Pakistan stick and crossing the line. India had their 4–3 lead — and held on through the final seconds to secure a place in the final.
The victory keeps India’s title defence alive and sets up a gold-medal clash on Saturday. India will face the winner of the second semifinal between Malaysia and South Korea.
For India, it was another high-pressure chapter in one of hockey’s most intense rivalries — and one that ended with the defending champions still standing.
India 4–3 Pakistan.
Final bound.
