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India beat Pakistan 4–3 in the men’s semifinal at the 2026 Asian Games after letting a 3–0 lead slip. Captain Harmanpreet Singh said India needed to learn from its second-half defensive mistakes; Abhishek’s deflected goal with 49.2 seconds remaining secured the win.
How India’s 3–0 lead became a 3–3 contest
The International Hockey Federation’s official record lists the match as the men’s semifinal of the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, played on October 1 at Kawasaki Juko Stadium. India built its early advantage through Harmanpreet Singh, who scored in the 5th and 13th minutes, and Sukhjeet Singh in the 23rd.
Pakistan began its recovery just before halftime, with Abu Mahmood scoring in the 30th minute. Hannan Shahid made it 3–2 in the 45th, and Waheed Ashraf Rana levelled the score at 3–3 in the 49th. India’s early control had become a one-goal chance to avoid extra time.
Harmanpreet’s lesson: defend better after the break
In remarks to official broadcasters Sony, as reported by Hindustan Times, Harmanpreet said: “In the second half, we should not have made mistakes like we did.” He described India’s start as strong but said defensive errors gave Pakistan chances to score quickly.
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Harmanpreet also said India could have done more with its opportunities while Pakistan were down a player. The FIH scorecard records Ammad Butt receiving a five-minute yellow card in the 38th minute. India did not turn that period into a goal, according to the Hindustan Times report.
Abhishek’s late winner settled the semifinal
India found the decisive goal in the 60th minute. Hockey India reports that Abhishek’s attempt deflected off Sufiyan Khan with 49.2 seconds left; the Olympic Council of Asia likewise describes a late deflected goal with about 49 seconds remaining. The FIH record credits Abhishek with the winner.
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- Perfect way to outfit your young player for their first practice
Harmanpreet’s reported assessment was that India’s composure, structure and possession helped create the winning opportunity after the score was level. The result sent India through by a 4–3 scoreline. Hockey India also reported that Mandeep Singh made his 300th senior international appearance during the match.
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Match timeline
| Minute | Event |
|---|---|
| 5 | Harmanpreet Singh scores for India |
| 13 | Harmanpreet Singh scores again; India lead 2–0 |
| 23 | Sukhjeet Singh makes it 3–0 |
| 30 | Abu Mahmood scores for Pakistan |
| 38 | Ammad Butt receives a five-minute yellow card |
| 45 | Hannan Shahid narrows the gap to 3–2 |
| 49 | Waheed Ashraf Rana levels the score at 3–3 |
| 60 | Abhishek scores India’s winner |
Sources: International Hockey Federation match record; Hockey India; Olympic Council of Asia.
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