India advances to men's hockey final after thrilling semifinal win over Pakistan
India's men's hockey team advanced to the Asian Games final with a nervy 4-3 semifinal victory over Pakistan at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium on Thursday. After building a commanding 3-0 lead in the first half, India allowed Pakistan to mount a strong comeback and level the score at 3-3, bringing the match to the brink of a shootout with just 49 seconds remaining.
India dominated the opening 30 minutes, displaying the form expected of the higher-ranked defending champion. Harmanpreet Singh opened the scoring from a penalty corner in the fifth minute, and India extended its lead to 3-0 by the 24th minute through goals from Sukhjeet and Shilanand Lakra. However, Pakistan responded with a goal from Abu Mahmood off a penalty corner just 35 seconds before halftime, shifting momentum into the second half.
Pakistan emerged from the break with renewed intensity, finding its rhythm through counter-attacks and exposing Indian fragility. With the scores locked at 3-3 and a shootout imminent, Abhishek Nain scored in the final minute when his feeble push deflected off Sufyan's stick and rolled past the goal line. The decisive goal spared India's blushes and sent the team through to the title clash.
