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Written by Akash Saha | Edited and fact-checked by Amit Saha | Editorial policy
India’s men’s hockey team survived a stunning Pakistan fightback to win 4-3 in the Asian Games semi-final on Thursday, with Abhishek scoring the winner with less than a minute left at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Kakamigahara, Japan.
The win guarantees India at least a silver medal and puts them one victory away from gold, which would also bring direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. India will play the winner of the South Korea vs Malaysia semi-final in the final on Saturday, October 3.
From 3-0 up to 3-3
India made a fast start. Captain Harmanpreet Singh converted two penalty corners in the first quarter, and Sukhjeet Singh added a field goal in the second to make it 3-0.
Pakistan refused to fold. Abu Mahmood pulled one back just before half-time, Hannan Shahid scored at the end of the third quarter, and Rana Waheed levelled the match early in the fourth. With the score at 3-3, the semi-final looked set for a shootout.
Abhishek settles it
With about 45 seconds remaining, Abhishek found the decisive touch to beat Pakistan goalkeeper Muneeb-ur-Rehman and put India back in front. India held on through the final seconds to book their place in the gold-medal match.
- India: Harmanpreet Singh (2, both penalty corners), Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek
- Pakistan: Abu Mahmood, Hannan Shahid, Rana Waheed
India came into the semi-final unbeaten, having won all five of their Pool A matches. They were without midfielder Raj Kumar Pal, who fractured his left thumb against Bangladesh.
Both Indian hockey teams in finals
The men join India’s women’s team in the gold-medal round. The women beat South Korea 2-0 on Wednesday and will face China in their final. Read our report: India beat South Korea to reach the Asian Games women’s hockey final.
Follow all of India’s results at the Games in our Asian Games 2026 coverage and more hockey news.
Sources
- Telangana Today (IANS): India beat Pakistan, move one win away from LA Olympics
- Outlook: India advance to men’s hockey final after 4-3 win over Pakistan
- Business Today: India beat Pakistan 4-3 in hockey semi-final
- Olympics.com: India see off Pakistan in thrilling semi-final
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