ISLAMABAD, Oct 03 (IN): Pakistan ended a 12-year wait for an Asian Games hockey medal by defeating South Korea 5-3 in a thrilling bronze-medal playoff at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Japan.Playing at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium, Pakistan staged a remarkable comeback after falling 3-1 behind to secure a memorable victory and return to the Asian Games hockey podium.Pakistan made an early breakthrough in the fourth minute when Sufyan Khan converted a penalty corner. South Korea responded through Lee Gang-san in the 12th minute, while Kim Jung-bok put Korea ahead in the 18th minute.
South Korea further extended their lead in the 25th minute when Yang Ji-hun scored from a penalty corner. Pakistan fought back before halftime, with Abdul Rehman converting a penalty corner in the 30th minute to make it 3-2.The national side continued its attacking display after the interval. Rana Waheed scored twice in quick succession in the 52nd and 54th minutes, including a penalty-corner goal, to put Pakistan 4-3 ahead.Hannan Shahid then sealed the victory with Pakistan’s fifth goal in the 59th minute, completing a dramatic 5-3 comeback.
The bronze medal marks Pakistan’s return to the Asian Games hockey podium after a 12-year gap and provides a major boost to the country’s efforts to revive the sport.Pakistan Hockey Federation President Muhyuddin Ahmad Wani congratulated the national team, players and officials on the achievement, expressing hope that the performance would provide further impetus to the revival and development of hockey in Pakistan and inspire the players to continue bringing honour to the country.
