India's men's U-18 hockey team advanced to the final of the Asia Cup 2026 after defeating Pakistan 5-3 in the semifinal.
The match between the two traditional rivals was played at Kawasaki Heavy Industries Hockey Stadium, where India secured victory with a b comeback in the final quarter. Purti Ashish Tani emerged as the standout performer, scoring four goals for India.
Both teams adopted an attacking approach from the start. India earned a penalty stroke in the closing moments of the first quarter, which Ashish Tani successfully converted to give his side a 1-0 lead. India maintained that advantage until the end of the quarter and prevented Pakistan from finding an equaliser.
Pakistan altered its approach in the second quarter and launched a series of attacks. The pressure paid off in the 27th minute when Adeel scored to level the match at 1-1.
India regained the lead in the third quarter through a field goal from Ali Shah Rukh in the 35th minute, making it 2-1. Pakistan responded quickly as Muhammad Farhan Aslam scored to bring the score back to 2-2.
Pakistan then earned a penalty corner, which Uzair Ahmad converted to put his team ahead 3-2. Pakistan held the advantage at the end of the third quarter.
India produced a b response in the fourth and final quarter, led by Ashish Tani. He equalised in the 49th minute to make it 3-3 before adding two more goals in the 53rd and 56th minutes to complete his hat-trick and extend India's lead to 5-3.
India's defence denied Pakistan any opportunities in the closing stages, ensuring victory and a place in the final.
With the win, India secured its place in the tournament final, where it will face Japan. The title match between the two teams will determine the Asia Cup 2026 champion.
