Abhishek last-minute goal seals thrilling semifinal victory as defending champions secure a place in the gold-medal matchKakamigahara, Japan. India defeated Pakistan 4-3 in a thrilling men's hockey semifinal at the Asian Games 2026 on Thursday to book their place in the final. Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored twice, while Sukhjeet Singh and Abhishek added one goal each to secure a dramatic victory for the defending champions. <Cite refs={["turn923762news0","turn923762news1"]}/>India appeared to be in control after taking a 3-0 lead, but Pakistan fought back strongly to level the score at 3-3. With the match heading towards a possible shootout, Abhishek struck the decisive goal in the final minute to send India into the gold-medal match. <Cite refs={["turn923762news5","turn923762search11"]}/>Harmanpreet Gives India an Early LeadIndia made an aggressive start, with captain Harmanpreet Singh converting a penalty corner in the fifth minute to put his team ahead. He doubled India's advantage in the 13th minute with another powerful penalty-corner strike.Sukhjeet Singh extended the lead to 3-0 in the 23rd minute after a well-coordinated attacking move involving Manpreet Singh and Shilanand Lakra.Pakistan reduced the deficit just before half-time when Abu Mahmood converted a penalty corner in the 30th minute, making the score 3-1 at the break. <Cite refs={["turn923762news5","turn923762search11"]}/>Pakistan Fight Back to Level the ScorePakistan returned with renewed determination in the second half. Hannan Shahid scored in the 45th minute to bring his team closer, before Rana Waheed found the net early in the final quarter to make it 3-3.The equaliser put India under considerable pressure after surrendering a three-goal advantage. However, the Indian team continued to search for a winner rather than allowing the match to drift towards a shootout.Abhishek's Late Winner Seals the Final SpotWith only seconds remaining, Abhishek scored India's fourth goal from open play, sealing a memorable 4-3 victory and confirming India's place in the final.The win keeps India's title defence on track and guarantees the team at least a silver medal. India will face the winner of the other semifinal between South Korea and Malaysia in the final. <Cite refs={["turn923762news2","turn923762news5"]}/>The semifinal once again highlighted the intensity of the India-Pakistan hockey rivalry, with India's early dominance followed by Pakistan's comeback and a decisive late goal that settled the contest.
