KAKAMIGAHARA, Japan: In a high-voltage semifinal that swung like a pendulum, India produced a stunning final-quarter blitz to tame arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 and seal their place in the final of the U18 Hockey Asia Cup 2026 at the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Hockey Stadium on Friday.
𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟! 🏆
Congratulations to the Indian Men’s U18 Team on storming into the final of the U18 Asia Cup 2026 with a spectacular victory over Pakistan. 🏑
Wishing #TeamIndia 🇮🇳 the best as they gear up for the title clash!#OdishaForHockey #IndiaKaGame… https://t.co/hYCtNuHDHm
— Odisha Sports (@sports_odisha) June 5, 2026
Both sides began the knockout clash with high intensity and attacking intent, producing a fast-paced opening quarter. India drew first blood when a penalty stroke was awarded after a review upheld the on-field decision. Purti Ashish Tani made no mistake from the spot in the 12th minute to give the Blue Shirts an early lead.
Pakistan responded strongly in the second quarter, creating multiple chances from penalty corners but failing to convert either opportunity. However, Adeel produced a moment of quality in the 27th minute, finishing clinically to bring the Green Shirts level at 1-1 by half-time.
The third quarter saw India push forward with greater urgency, while Pakistan remained disciplined and looked dangerous on the counter. India regained the lead in the 35th minute through Ali Shahrukh, who struck to make it 2-1. Pakistan hit back almost immediately, with Muhammad Farhan Aslam finding the net in the 37th minute to restore parity at 2-2.
We couldn’t help but share this.
These boys were under immense pressure. They could have folded. Instead, they responded with character.
India’s U18 men’s team fought back to beat Pakistan 5-3 and secure a place in the Men’s U18 Asia Cup 2026 Final.
Next stop: Japan. One… pic.twitter.com/r87pKdMZo1
— nnis Sports (@nnis_sports) June 5, 2026
Pakistan then went ahead in the 42nd minute when Uzair Ahmed converted a penalty corner to put the Green Shirts 3-2 up heading into the final quarter.
The final period, however, belonged to India. Purti Ashish Tani levelled the contest once again in the 48th minute from a penalty corner before completing his hat-trick in the 53rd minute to put India in front 4-3. He later added a fourth goal in the closing stages as India took full control of the match and sealed a 5-3 victory.
India will now face Japan in the grand finale at the same venue on Saturday.
