India vs Pakistan Hockey | Kakamigahara / Hyderabad, Oct. 1 (Maxim News): India defeated Pakistan 4-3 in a thrilling semifinal at the Asian Games on Thursday to reach the men’s hockey final. Abhishek scored the decisive goal in the final minute to send the defending champions into the gold medal match.
The match remained fiercely contested in the closing stages. India had built a 3-1 lead, but Pakistan fought back strongly to level the score at 3-3 in the fourth quarter.
With the match heading towards a tense finish, Abhishek produced the decisive moment. He found space near the circle and converted a field goal to put India 4-3 ahead in the final minute.
India held on to the lead and secured a place in the Asian Games final. The victory also extended India’s unbeaten run against Pakistan, which Hockey India had noted stood at 20 matches heading into the semifinal.
India vs Pakistan Hockey | India Reach Hockey Final After Late Abhishek Winner
Captain Harmanpreet Singh played a key role in India’s strong start, scoring twice from penalty corners. Sukhjeet Singh added another field goal before Pakistan mounted its comeback.
Pakistan reduced the deficit in the second half before eventually making it 3-3. Abhishek then delivered the match-winning goal in the final minute, completing a dramatic finish.
The result keeps India on course to defend its Asian Games men’s hockey title. India had entered the semifinal unbeaten after topping Pool A with five wins from five matches, including victories over Indonesia, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Japan and Bangladesh.
The Indian men’s team will now play the gold medal match. The opponent will be decided by the second semifinal between Malaysia and South Korea.
India’s women’s hockey team has also reached the Asian Games final after beating South Korea, meaning both Indian teams have secured places in their respective gold medal matches. (Maxim News)
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