India's U18 Men's Hockey Team Triumphs Over Pakistan in Thrilling Semi-Final

The Indian U18 Men's Hockey Team displayed exceptional skill and determination in a gripping semi-final against Pakistan, winning 5-3. After trailing for much of the match, India launched a stunning comeback in the final quarter, with Ashish Tani Purti scoring four goals. This victory secures their place in the final against Japan, set for Saturday at 3:30 PM IST. Read on to discover how the match unfolded and the key moments that led to India's triumph.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 5, 2026, 20:08 IST

India Secures Spot in Final with a 5-3 Victory

In a thrilling semi-final of the U18 Men's Asia Cup 2026, the Indian U18 Men's Hockey Team showcased remarkable resilience, overcoming their long-time rivals Pakistan with a score of 5-3. Despite trailing 2-3 until the last quarter, India mounted an impressive offensive surge in the final moments to clinch their place in the championship match.

Early Advantage for India

The match commenced with a tense atmosphere as both teams vied for midfield dominance. India found their stride in the 12th minute when a swift run from their half led to a defensive blunder by Pakistan, resulting in a penalty stroke. Forward Ashish Tani Purti (12') confidently converted the stroke, giving India a 1-0 lead that they held until the end of the first quarter.

Pakistan Equalizes

In the second quarter, Pakistan intensified their efforts and earned their first penalty corner in the 16th minute. Indian goalkeeper Ayush Rajak and defender Ansh Bahutra executed a perfect save against a powerful dragflick from Ahmad Uzair. Pakistan continued to press and found the equalizer in the 27th minute when Adeel intercepted a pass, broke through the defense, and scored a field goal, leveling the match at 1-1 by halftime.

Pakistan Takes the Lead

The third quarter was marked by fierce competition from both teams. India regained the lead in the 35th minute when Shahrukh Ali (35') took advantage of quick passing to score. However, Pakistan responded swiftly, with Muhammad Farhan Aslam scoring a field goal in the 37th minute. Pakistan then took the lead for the first time in the 42nd minute when Uzair Ahmad Qureshi converted a penalty corner with a precise dragflick, putting India behind 2-3 at the end of the third quarter.

India's Remarkable Comeback

Facing elimination, India launched a vigorous attack in the final quarter. The pressure resulted in a green card for Pakistan's Muzammil Saeed in the 46th minute, allowing India to earn consecutive penalty corners. Ashish Tani Purti (49') executed a superb dragflick from the second penalty corner, leveling the score at 3-3.

India dominated the following minutes, generating several penalty corners. Although Pakistan's defense managed to block some attempts, they could not contain the Indian offense for long. In the 53rd minute, Ashish scored another penalty corner, completing his hat-trick and putting India ahead 4-3.

With just four minutes remaining, India secured another penalty corner, and Ashish (56') found the back of the net once more, scoring his fourth goal and extending the lead to 5-3. The Indian team maintained their composure in the final moments to successfully defend their lead and secure a spot in the final.

Final Match Ahead

India is set to face Japan in the final of the U18 Men's Asia Cup on Saturday at 3:30 PM IST.