New Delhi, 30 September (H.S.): India and Pakistan will renew their storied rivalry on Thursday when the two sides meet in the first semi-final of the men’s hockey competition at the 2026 Asian Games. The winner will advance to the gold-medal match, while the second semi-final will see Malaysia take on South Korea.

Defending champions India topped Pool A in emphatic fashion, winning all five of their matches. They opened their campaign with a 13-1 victory over Indonesia, followed by wins against Sri Lanka (16-1), South Korea (8-2), hosts Japan (2-0) and Bangladesh (10-0).

India’s attacking unit has been in impressive form throughout the tournament. Dilpreet Singh is among the joint-second-highest scorers with nine goals, while Abhishek and captain Harmanpreet Singh have contributed eight goals apiece. Harmanpreet’s powerful drag-flick from penalty corners has remained one of India’s principal attacking weapons.

Pakistan, meanwhile, finished second in Pool B after a 4-5 defeat to Malaysia denied them top spot and a potential meeting with India in the final. Pakistan had earlier recorded victories over Thailand (9-0), Uzbekistan (5-1), China (3-0) and Oman (7-2).

For Pakistan, Sufyan Khan will be the player India must watch closely. The penalty-corner specialist has scored 11 goals so far and leads the tournament’s scoring charts. The contest between Sufyan and Indian captain Harmanpreet in penalty-corner situations could therefore prove to be one of the defining elements of the semi-final.

Rajkumar Pal ruled out, Nilakanta Sharma drafted into squad

India have suffered a setback ahead of the semi-final, with Rajkumar Pal ruled out of the remainder of the tournament after fracturing his left thumb during the final Pool A match against Bangladesh. Reserve player Nilakanta Sharma has been brought into the squad as his replacement.

Head coach Craig Fulton described Rajkumar’s injury as unfortunate but said Nilakanta’s inclusion gives the team an experienced option. Nilakanta has previously represented India at major international events, including the Olympics and the World Cup.

The India-Pakistan encounter will be more than just a semi-final; it will add another chapter to one of international hockey’s most closely followed rivalries. India have not lost to Pakistan since the final of the 2016 South Asian Games. The defending champions will look to extend that run and secure a place in the Asian Games final for a second consecutive edition.

Fulton said the semi-final would be a crucial contest and that India would remain focused on its tactical execution, particularly its penalty-corner attack and defensive structure.

India and Pakistan will meet on Thursday, with the winner progressing to the gold-medal final and the losing side settling for the bronze medal.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar