ISLAMABAD: India defeated Pakistan 4-3 in a closely contested semi-final of the Asian Games hockey tournament, ending the Green Shirts’ hopes of reaching the final.
The encounter saw both sides compete fiercely, but India managed to score four goals against Pakistan’s three to secure a place in the title match.
Pakistan will now compete for the bronze medal after falling short in the semi-final.
Pakistan had enjoyed a strong start to their Asian Games campaign, winning both of their initial Pool B matches.
They opened the tournament with a convincing 9-0 victory over Thailand before defeating Uzbekistan 5-1 at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium.
In the match 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 to level the score.
Pakistan regained the lead three minutes after the restart when Sufyan Khan scored from a penalty corner, taking his tally to three goals in two matches.
Abdul Rehman extended Pakistan’s advantage in the 40th minute, also converting a penalty corner, before Abu Mahmood scored from a penalty to make it 4-1.
Sufyan Khan completed the scoring in the 57th minute, sealing Pakistan’s 5-1 victory over Uzbekistan.
Pakistan had been scheduled to face China in their next Pool B match, with China having earlier defeated Thailand 8-1, before the tournament progressed to the knockout stage.
India’s semi-final victory has secured their place in the final, while Pakistan will look to finish their campaign with a bronze medal.
