India edge past Pakistan 4-3 in Asian Games hockey semi-final

India edged past Pakistan 4-3 in a thrilling men’s hockey semi-final at the Asian Games 2026 on Thursday, with Abhishek scoring the decisive goal in the final minute to book a place in the final. India made a strong start at the Kawasaki Juko Stadium, taking a 2-0 lead in the first quarter through two goals from Harmanpreet Singh. Pakistan were awarded four penalty corners after conceding the early goals – three in the first quarter and another in the opening five minutes of the second – but failed to convert any of them. India extended their advantage in the 23rd minute when Sukhjeet Singh scored a field goal to make it 3-0. Pakistan finally opened their account in the final minute of the second quarter, with Abu Bakar Mahmood converting a penalty corner to reduce the deficit to 3-1. The Green Shirts continued their fightback in the third quarter as Hannan Shahid scored a field goal in the 45th minute, bringing Pakistan within one goal of their rivals. Pakistan then completed the comeback early in the final quarter when Rana Waheed Ashraf scored in the 49th minute to level the score at 3-3. With the match seemingly heading towards a penalty shootout, Abhishek struck in the final minute to give India a 4-3 victory and secure their place in the final. Pakistan will now face either Malaysia or South Korea in the bronze-medal match.

Read full story on Business Recorder