NAGOYA, Japan: Pakistan clinched the men’s hockey bronze medal at the 20th Asian Games after producing a stunning second-half comeback to defeat South Korea 5-3 at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium on Saturday.
Pakistan found themselves trailing 3-1 at halftime but responded with four unanswered goals after the break to complete a memorable turnaround and secure a place on the podium.
Sufyan Khan gave Pakistan the lead by converting a penalty corner in the first quarter, but South Korea quickly levelled through Lee Gangsan. The Koreans then took control in the second quarter, with Kim YongBok and Yang Jihun adding goals to give their team a 3-1 advantage at the interval.
ALSO READ: Pakistan Secure Asian Games Volleyball Bronze
Pakistan returned with greater intensity after halftime and began their fightback in the third quarter. Abdul Rehman reduced the deficit to 3-2, putting the Green-shirts back into contention as South Korea struggled to maintain their attacking momentum.
The decisive phase came in the final quarter when Waheed Rana scored twice, including a penalty-corner goal, to complete Pakistan’s turnaround. Hannan Shahid then added another goal as Pakistan moved ahead 5-3.
South Korea were unable to find a response in the closing minutes, allowing Pakistan to secure the bronze medal after a strong defensive effort.
Pakistan finished the match with 57 per cent possession and earned nine penalty corners, while South Korea had five. The victory completed Pakistan’s recovery after a difficult first half and delivered another medal for the Green-shirts at the Asian Games.
