India secured a place in the final of the U18 Hockey Asia Cup 2026 after a hard-fought victory over Pakistan. The match ended 5-3 in favor of India in a high-intensity semi-final.
The encounter was played at the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Hockey Stadium on Friday. Both teams showed strong attacking intent from the opening whistle.
India took an early lead in the 12th minute. Purti Ashish Tani scored from a penalty stroke after Pakistan’s video referral failed to change the umpire’s decision.
Pakistan responded strongly and created multiple chances through penalty corners. Their efforts paid off when Adeel scored the equaliser in the 27th minute. The first half ended level at 1-1.
In the third quarter, India once again took control. Ali Shahrukh scored in the 35th minute to restore India’s lead. However, Pakistan quickly replied through Muhammad Farhan Aslam, who made it 2-2 just two minutes later.
Pakistan then took the lead for the first time in the match. Uzair Ahmed converted a penalty corner in the 42nd minute, putting Pakistan ahead 3-2.
At this stage, India began to dominate the match. The momentum shifted completely in their favor, and they managed to produce a strong comeback.
Purti Ashish Tani once again stepped up for India. He scored the equaliser before completing his hat-trick in the 53rd minute. This goal gave India a 4-3 lead and shifted pressure back onto Pakistan.
India maintained control in the final moments of the game. Tani added another goal late in the match, completing a four-goal performance and sealing a 5-3 win.
With this result, India edge past Pakistan and move confidently into the final. Their strong finishing in the final quarter proved decisive.
Pakistan showed resilience throughout the match but struggled to maintain their lead in the closing stages. Despite strong attacking phases, they could not contain India’s late surge.
The match will be remembered for its fast pace, multiple lead changes, and India’s powerful comeback performance.
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