"We offer our best wishes": Dilip Tirkey backs India hockey teams to secure LA 2028 quotas
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey celebrates India's thrilling win over Pakistan and backs both men and women to secure LA 2028 Olympic quotas.
In a moment of high drama on the field, the Indian men's hockey team secured their place in the Asian Games 2026 final after a heart-pounding victory over archrivals Pakistan. Following the intense 4-3 semifinal encounter, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey expressed his immense pride and extended his support to both the men's and women's squads as they chase gold and a direct ticket to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
A Thrilling Escape Against Pakistan
The semifinal was a rollercoaster of emotions that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. The defending champions started with absolute dominance, racing to a 2-0 lead in the very first quarter. Captain Harmanpreet Singh proved why he is a vital asset, converting two clinical penalty-corner dragflicks to put India in the driver's seat. Sukhjeet Singh further bolstered the advantage in the 24th minute, making it 3-1.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically as Pakistan staged a fierce comeback. Abu Baker found the net to narrow the gap, followed by goals from Hannan Shahid and Waheed Rana in the third and fourth quarters. With the score deadlocked at 3-3, the match appeared destined for a tense conclusion.
In a stunning twist, India found the winning goal with a mere 50 seconds left on the clock. An initial effort by Abhishek was initially kept out, but a subsequent rebound deflected off a Pakistani defender's stick and trickled into the net, sealing a 4-3 victory and a spot in the final.
Tirkey Praises Fighting Spirit
Speaking to the media after the match, Dilip Tirkey highlighted the resilience shown by the players. "It was a very interesting match between the two sides," Tirkey remarked. "India established a 3-1 lead as early as the first half, though the score later levelled at 3-3. In the dying seconds, a fourth goal was scored to secure the win."
Tirkey also turned his attention to the women's team, noting their exceptional form throughout the tournament. He expressed a collective belief that both squads are capable of delivering gold medals, which would serve as a crucial stepping stone for Olympic qualification.
Women's Team Charges into Final
The Indian women's team has also demonstrated brilliance, securing their place in the final with a composed 2-0 victory over South Korea. After two scoreless quarters, Ishika broke the deadlock late in the third period. Captain Salima Tete then added a second goal in the final quarter to ensure the win.
The women's team will now face the defending champions, China, in a highly anticipated gold-medal clash scheduled for Friday. China reached the final after defeating hosts Japan in a shootout following a 0-0 draw.
The Race for LA 2028
The stakes for these finals extend far beyond a gold medal. Both the men's and women's teams are fighting for a victory that would guarantee their respective National Olympic Committees a direct qualification quota for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Upcoming Gold Medal Matches:
- Women's Final: India vs. China (Friday)
- Men's Final: India vs. Winner of Malaysia/South Korea (Saturday)