India beat Pakistan 4-3 in Asian Games hockey semi-final

India defeated Pakistan 4-3 in the first semi-final of the Asian Games hockey tournament, ending Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the final.

The closely contested encounter saw India score four goals to Pakistan’s three and secure a place in the tournament’s title match.

Pakistan’s route to the semi-final

Pakistan had made a strong start to their Asian Games campaign, winning both of their Pool B matches.

They opened the tournament with a 9-0 victory over Thailand before defeating Uzbekistan 5-1 at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium.

Against Uzbekistan, Pakistan were held scoreless in the opening quarter before Mohammad Ammad broke the deadlock in the 18th minute. Uzbekistan responded just before half-time, with Shokhrukhbek Salimjonov converting a penalty corner in the 30th minute.

Pakistan regained the lead three minutes after the restart when Sufyan Khan scored from a penalty corner, his third goal in two matches. Abdul Rehman then extended the advantage in the 40th minute, also from a penalty corner.

Abu Mahmood added another from a penalty to make it 4-1, before Sufyan Khan completed the scoring in the 57th minute to seal Pakistan’s 5-1 victory.

Pakistan had been scheduled to face China in their next Pool B match, with China having earlier defeated Thailand 8-1, before progressing to the knockout stage.

India’s 4-3 victory in the semi-final now takes them into the Asian Games hockey final, while Pakistan will compete for the bronze medal.