Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
India secured a place in the Asian Games men’s hockey final after edging arch-rivals Pakistan 4-3 in a thrilling semifinal on Thursday.
Abhishek emerged as the hero for India, scoring the decisive field goal with just around 50 seconds remaining before the final hooter to seal a dramatic victory.
India had looked firmly in control early in the contest, building a 3-0 lead by the 23rd minute. However, Pakistan fought back strongly and scored three goals over the next 26 minutes to level the match at 3-3.
With the scores tied until the 59th minute, the game appeared headed for a tense finish. But Abhishek struck late to put India ahead 4-3 and secure their passage to the gold-medal match.
India will face the winner of the second semifinal between South Korea and Malaysia in the final on October 3.
India win two medals on Day 12
India also added two medals to its tally on the 12th day of the Asian Games being held in Nagoya, Japan.
The country is currently eighth in the medal standings with 62 medals, including 10 gold, 21 silver and 31 bronze medals.
