India U18 men’s hockey team defeated Pakistan 5-3 in the semifinal of the U18 Men’s Asia Cup 2026 on Friday, producing a strong final-quarter comeback to reach the final.
India trailed 2-3 at the end of the third quarter, but scored three times in the final period to turn the match around. Ashish Tani Purti was the standout performer, scoring four goals, including three in the last quarter.
The match began with both teams fighting for control in midfield. India found its rhythm in the 12th minute when a run from its own half forced a defensive error from Pakistan and earned a penalty stroke. Ashish stepped up and converted to give India a 1-0 lead, which it held until the end of the first quarter.
Pakistan responded strongly in the second quarter and won its first penalty corner in the 16th minute. India goalkeeper Ayush Rajak and defender Ansh Bahutra combined to keep out Ahmad Uzair’s drag-flick.
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Pakistan kept pressing and found the equaliser in the 27th minute, when Adeel intercepted a pass, broke through the defence and scored from open play to make it 1-1 at half-time.
India reclaimed the lead in the 35th minute when Shahrukh Ali finished off a quick passing move. Pakistan, however, struck back two minutes later through Muhammad Farhan Aslam before Uzair Ahmad Qureshi converted a penalty corner in the 42nd minute to put Pakistan 3-2 ahead.
India pushed forward in the final quarter and was helped by a green card to Pakistan’s Muzammil Saeed in the 46th minute. It immediately won consecutive penalty corners, with Ashish scoring from the second to make it 3-3 in the 49th minute.
India continued to dominate and earned a series of penalty corners. Pakistan blocked a few attempts, but Ashish scored again in the 53rd minute to complete his hat-trick and put India 4-3 ahead.
With four minutes left, India won another penalty corner, and Ashish found the net once more to complete his fourth goal of the match and extend the lead to 5-3.
India held its composure in the closing minutes to seal the win and book its place in the final, where it will face Japan on Saturday.
Published on Jun 05, 2026
