India booked their place in the U18 Hockey Asia Cup 2026 Final after defeating Pakistan by 5 to 3 in an exciting semi-final played at the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Hockey Stadium in Japan. The high intensity encounter featured end to end action, impressive attacking play, and several dramatic momentum shifts that kept fans entertained until the final whistle.
The match started at a fast pace, with both teams creating opportunities from the opening minutes. India earned a penalty stroke after a video review failed to overturn the original decision. Purti Ashish Tani calmly converted the chance in the 12th minute to give India an early advantage.
Pakistan responded with determination in the second quarter and created multiple chances through penalty corners. Although those opportunities went unfinished, Adeel scored a well taken goal in the 27th minute to level the match at 1 to 1 before halftime.
The third quarter produced even more excitement. Ali Shahrukh restored India’s lead in the 35th minute, but Muhammad Farhan Aslam quickly equalized for Pakistan just two minutes later. Pakistan then took control when Uzair Ahmed converted a penalty corner in the 42nd minute, putting his side ahead 3 to 2.
However, the final quarter belonged entirely to India. Purti Ashish Tani once again stepped up by scoring the equalizer from a penalty corner before completing his hat trick in the 53rd minute to put India ahead. He later added another goal to finish with four goals in the match, helping India seal an impressive 5 to 3 victory.
With this important win, India have advanced to the U18 Hockey Asia Cup 2026 Final, where they will face Japan at the same venue. Hockey fans now look forward to an exciting championship match as India aim to lift the continental title after a remarkable comeback performance against their traditional rivals.
