'Fully prepared for gold': India hockey players confident ahead of Asian Games final
India's men's hockey team secures a spot in the Asian Games 2026 final after a dramatic 4-3 victory over arch-rivals Pakistan.
The Indian men’s hockey team is officially on a mission for gold at the Asian Games 2026 after clinching a breathtaking 4-3 victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in a high-stakes semi-final on Thursday.
In a match that swung violently from dominance to desperation, the defending champions proved their mettle by finding a decisive goal with just 50 seconds remaining on the clock. The victory ensures India's place in the gold medal match, where they will face Malaysia, who secured their spot by defeating South Korea in the other semi-final.
A rollercoaster semi-final drama
India appeared to be in total control early in the match, racing to a commanding 3-0 lead. The surge was powered by the clinical precision of Harmanpreet Singh, who converted two penalty corners, and a sharp field goal from Sukhjeet Singh. However, the momentum shifted dramatically as Pakistan mounted a fierce comeback.
Goals from Abu Baker, Hannan Shahid, and Waheed Rana saw Pakistan claw their way back to level the score at 3-3, putting the defending champions under immense pressure. The deadlock was finally broken in the dying moments of the game when Abhishek’s shot deflected off a Pakistani stick and trickled into the net, sealing a historic win for India.
Players express confidence for the final
Following the intense encounter, the Indian players expressed a sense of immense relief and renewed determination. Forward Sukhjeet Singh emphasized that the team’s success came down to sticking to the basics and trusting their tactical setup.
"We're feeling really good right now, especially since we had a semifinal against Pakistan. We just stuck to our strategy, focus, and basics. We trusted each other that whatever chance we got in the D, we'd either get PCs or hit goals on the field. We're fully prepared for gold," Sukhjeet said.
Forward Mandeep Singh acknowledged the challenges faced in the second half, noting that structural lapses allowed Pakistan to fight back. However, he praised the team's mental toughness.
"Pakistan put up a good fight too, and we ended on a strong note. We believed in our team, and we scored right up until the final whistle. Abhishek scored a great goal, and we've finally made it to the finals," Mandeep remarked.
Chasing history and Olympic dreams
For defender Jarmanpreet Singh, the stakes could not be higher. Beyond the glory of the tournament, the performance carries significant weight for future prospects, including Olympic qualification. He highlighted the opportunity to achieve something unprecedented in Indian hockey history.
"This event is quite important for us to qualify for the Olympics, and if we win a medal tomorrow, it will be history that we have won two gold medals back-to-back; that will be the first time this happens," Jarmanpreet stated.
As India prepares to face Malaysia, the message from the dressing room is clear: they are ready to fight until the final whistle to secure the top spot on the podium.