India secured a narrow 4-3 victory against Pakistan in the first semi-final of the Asian Games hockey tournament, ending Pakistan’s aspirations of reaching the final. The intense match saw India outscore Pakistan by one goal to advance to the championship game.
Pakistan had demonstrated strong form earlier in the tournament, winning both of their Pool B matches convincingly. They began their campaign with a commanding 9-0 win over Thailand, followed by a 5-1 victory against Uzbekistan at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium.
In the match against Uzbekistan, Pakistan struggled to find the net in the first quarter until Mohammad Ammad opened the scoring in the 18th minute. Uzbekistan equalized just before halftime through a penalty corner converted by Shokhrukhbek Salimjonov in the 30th minute.
Shortly after the break, Pakistan regained the lead when Sufyan Khan scored from a penalty corner, marking his third goal in two matches. Abdul Rehman extended the lead in the 40th minute with another penalty corner goal. Abu Mahmood further increased Pakistan’s advantage with a penalty goal, making it 4-1, before Sufyan Khan sealed the 5-1 win with a goal in the 57th minute.
Pakistan was scheduled to face China next in Pool B, with China having previously defeated Thailand 8-1 and advancing to the knockout stage.
Following India’s 4-3 semi-final win, they will now compete in the Asian Games hockey final, while Pakistan will contend for the bronze medal.
