ISLAMABAD, Oct 1 (IN): Pakistan staged a stunning fightback from three goals down but India struck in the dying moments to secure a dramatic 4-3 victory in the men’s hockey semifinal of the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 at Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium on Thursday.Reigning Asian Games champions India made a flying start, with captain Harmanpreet Singh scoring twice in the fifth and 13th minutes before Sukhjeet Singh added another in the 23rd minute to put India 3-0 ahead.Pakistan refused to surrender and began mounting pressure.
Captain Abu Mahmood pulled one back through a penalty corner in the 30th minute, reducing the deficit to 3-1 at halftime.The Green Shirts returned with renewed confidence after the interval and were rewarded in the 45th minute when Hannan Shahid capitalised on a defensive mistake to make it 3-2.Pakistan completed the remarkable comeback in the 49th minute, with Hannan Shahid setting up Waheed Rana for the equaliser.With Pakistan pressing for the winner and the match appearing headed towards a shootout, India delivered the decisive blow in the final minute. Abhishek’s attempt deflected off Pakistan’s Sufyan Khan and found the net, giving India a dramatic 4-3 victory.Despite the defeat, Pakistan’s recovery from 0-3 down to level the match showcased the determination and fighting spirit of the young national side.
Pakistan Hockey Federation President Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani praised the team’s resilience, saying the comeback reflected the “true spirit and potential of Pakistan hockey.” He particularly appreciated the performances of Abu Mahmood, Hannan Shahid and Waheed Rana.Wani said the PHF remained confident in the young squad and would continue supporting the players as Pakistan seeks to restore its position on the international hockey stage.India will face either Malaysia or the Republic of Korea in the Asian Games men’s hockey final on Saturday.
