Abhishek scores late as India survive Pakistan comeback to book place in Asian Games 2026 men’s hockey final
India defeated Pakistan 4-3 in a thrilling men’s hockey semifinal at the Asian Games 2026 on Thursday, October 1. The victory sent the defending champions into the gold-medal match after a dramatic contest at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Kakamigahara, Japan.
India appeared to have control of the match after building a 3-0 lead. Pakistan, however, produced a remarkable comeback and levelled the score at 3-3. With the semifinal heading towards a tense finish, Abhishek scored the decisive goal to send India through to the final.
India Start Strong Against Pakistan
The Indian team entered the semifinal with an unbeaten record in the tournament. Harmanpreet Singh’s side had won all five of their Pool A matches before facing Pakistan. India scored 49 goals during the pool stage and conceded only four.
Pakistan reached the semifinal after finishing second in their pool. A narrow 4-5 defeat to Malaysia prevented them from topping the group and set up the semifinal against India.
India quickly took control of the semifinal. Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored twice, giving his team an important advantage during the early stages.
India Build 3-0 Lead
The Indian attack continued to create pressure as the match progressed. Sukhjeet Singh added another goal, putting India 3-0 ahead and leaving Pakistan with a significant deficit to overcome.
At that stage, India looked firmly in control. Pakistan refused to give up, though, and gradually found a way back into the contest.
The Pakistani attack increased its pressure as the game moved towards the later stages. India’s defence faced a sustained test as Pakistan began cutting into the three-goal advantage.
Pakistan Complete Stunning Comeback
Pakistan’s fightback changed the momentum of the semifinal. The side scored three goals to bring the match level at 3-3.
A game that had appeared to be slipping away from Pakistan suddenly became a closely contested battle. India had to withstand the pressure while searching for another opportunity in attack.
Both teams pushed forward in the closing stages. The tension increased with every attack as a place in the Asian Games final remained at stake.
Abhishek Delivers the Decisive Goal
With the score locked at 3-3, Abhishek produced the crucial moment for India.
The Indian forward found the back of the net late in the match to restore India’s lead. Pakistan tried to respond, but the Indian defence held firm during the remaining minutes.
India eventually secured a 4-3 victory and booked their place in the Asian Games 2026 men’s hockey final.
India Extend Unbeaten Run Against Pakistan
The victory also extended India’s unbeaten run against Pakistan to 21 matches, according to India Today.
The latest result continues India’s strong recent record in the rivalry. The two sides had also met at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, where India won 5-3. Earlier in June, India defeated Pakistan 7-1 in the FIH Pro League.
Their previous Asian Games meeting in 2023 ended with another heavy Indian victory, as India won 10-2 in the pool stage.
India Reach Gold-Medal Match
India will now play the Asian Games 2026 men’s hockey final on October 3. The other semifinal features Malaysia and South Korea.
The Asian Games hockey title carries an additional significance. The men’s gold-medal winner will earn a direct qualification place for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
India entered the tournament as defending champions and have now moved one step closer to retaining their Asian Games hockey title.
