India beat Pakistan 5-3 in thrilling semi-final to enter U18 Men's Asia Cup final
Kakamigahara, June 5
The Indian U18 Men's Hockey Team showed incredible character to defeat arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 in a high-voltage semi-final match of the U18 Men's Asia Cup 2026 on Friday.
Trailing 2-3 until the final quarter, India produced an outstanding attacking display in the final minutes to secure their place in the summit clash, according to a press release.
The match began with a quiet and tense opening, as both teams fought hard for control in the midfield. India found their rhythm in the 12th minute when a brilliant run from their own half forced a defensive error from Pakistan, earning India a penalty stroke. Forward Ashish Tani Purti (12') stepped up and calmly converted it to give India an early 1-0 lead, which they maintained until the end of the first quarter.
Pakistan came out playing aggressively in the second quarter and won their first penalty corner in the 16th minute. Indian goalkeeper Ayush Rajak and defender Ansh Bahutra combined perfectly to save a powerful dragflick from Ahmad Uzair. Pakistan kept pressing and found their equaliser in the 27th minute when Adeel intercepted a pass, broke through the defence, and scored a field goal to make it 1-1 at halftime.
The third quarter saw intense action from both sides. India reclaimed the lead in the 35th minute when Shahrukh Ali (35') capitalised on quick passing and smashed the ball into the net. However, the joy was short-lived as Pakistan responded just two minutes later through a field goal by Muhammad Farhan Aslam 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, leaving India trailing 2-3 at the end of the third quarter.
With their tournament life on the line, India launched a furious attack in the final quarter. The pressure forced a green card for Pakistan's Muzammil Saeed in the 46th minute, and India immediately won consecutive penalty corners. Ashish Tani Purti (49') fired home a superb dragflick from the second penalty corner to level the score at 3-3.
India completely dominated the following minutes, earning a series of penalty corners. Though Pakistan's defence blocked a few attempts, they could not stop the Indian frontline for long. In the 53rd minute, Ashish scored another brilliant penalty corner to complete his hat-trick and put India ahead 4-3.
With just four minutes left on the clock, India won another penalty corner, and Ashish (56') hit the back of the net once again to score his fourth goal of the match, extending the lead to 5-3. The Indian boys held their composure in the dying minutes of the game to defend their lead successfully and book their place in the final.
India will take on Japan in the final of the U18 Men's Asia Cup on Saturday at 3:30 PM IST.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Absolutely thrilling match! The boys showed incredible mental strength to turn it around in the final quarter. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Can't wait for the final against Japan! Let's bring the trophy home! 🏆
Impressive performance by the young team! But I think the defence needs to tighten up a bit - conceding 3 goals against Pakistan is worrying. Japan will be a tough opponent in the final. Hope the coaching staff works on defensive drills before Saturday's match.
What a hat-trick by Ashish Tani Purti! Actually, he scored 4 goals! This kid is going to be the next big thing in Indian hockey. The way he converted those penalty corners under pressure was world-class. Indian hockey is in safe hands. 🇮🇳👏
Honestly, I was worried when we went 2-3 down in the third quarter. But this team has real character - they didn't panic, they kept playing their game. The way they won consecutive penalty corners and converted them was clinical. Japan final will be another tough test, but I believe in these boys! 💪
What a match to witness! The atmosphere must have been electric in Kakamigahara. India vs Pakistan in hockey always brings out the best in our players. Ashish Tani Purti's performance was simply outstanding - 4 goals in a semi-final against our arch-rivals. This is the kind of performance that creates legends! 🇮🇳🏑
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.