NEW DELHI: In a thrilling contest at the Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2024, the Indian Men’s Hockey Team edged out arch-rivals Pakistan 2-1, securing their spot at the top of the points table and finishing the league stage unbeaten. Captain Harmanpreet Singh led the charge for India, scoring both goals (13′, 19′) after Ahmad Nadeem (8′) initially put Pakistan ahead.
The much-anticipated clash between the two Asian powerhouses lived up to its billing, with high-octane action right from the start. Pakistan took an early lead when Ahmad Nadeem capitalized on a precise pass from Hannan Shahid, netting a close-range shot in the 8th minute. However, India quickly responded through their skipper, Harmanpreet Singh, who expertly converted a penalty corner in the 13th minute to equalize.
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As the first quarter ended 1-1, India intensified their attack. Harmanpreet once again showcased his penalty corner prowess, putting India ahead in the 19th minute. From then on, India dominated possession, though Pakistan remained resilient, even coming close to leveling the score with a penalty corner just before half-time, only for Sufiyan Khan’s drag-flick to hit the bar.
The second half saw India maintain control, dictating play with strategic passing. However, Pakistan pushed hard for an equalizer, earning several penalty corners, only to be thwarted by Indian goalkeeper Krishan Pathak’s stellar saves. Tensions flared in the final quarter as both teams fought for supremacy, with Pakistan’s Ashraf Waheed Rana receiving a 10-minute yellow card for a foul on Jugraj Singh. Despite this advantage, India struggled to extend their lead, and with just two minutes left, Manpreet Singh also received a yellow card, leaving both sides with 10 men.
India had one last opportunity to seal the match with another penalty corner, but Pakistan’s defense held firm. In the end, India ran down the clock to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
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Hero of the Match Nilakanta Sharma acknowledged Pakistan’s challenge, stating, “Pakistan gave us a tough fight. Though we won, we weren’t entirely satisfied because we kept losing possession, which created problems for us. We need to improve on that.”
With this win, India advances to Semi-Final 2, which will take place on Monday, September 16, at 15:30 IST. Their opponent will be determined following the final league-stage match.