Asian Games 2026: India set up a sensational hockey semi-final against arch-rivals Pakistan

Image credit: Hockey India Defending champions India ended their Asian Games group campaign in style by beating Bangladesh 10-0 in a rain-soaked match on Monday.Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored a hat-trick as India finished top of Group A. They will now face arch-rivals Pakistan in the semi-finals on October 1.Malaysia will face South Korea in the other semi-final.India were undefeated in the group stage, beating Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Japan, South Korea and Bangladesh. They finished with a +45 goal difference.

India scored early despite heavy rain

The match started 30 minutes later after heavy rain disrupted the earlier Pakistan-Oman match. The downpour continued during India’s match, the pitch was waterlogged and it was difficult for both teams to move the ball quickly.But India adapted better to the conditions and took the lead in the third minute.Sanjay found Abhishek inside the Bangladeshi circle and the striker moved to his left before sending his trademark reverse strike past the keeper.Bangladesh had a chance from a penalty corner in the 12th minute, but goalkeeper Suraj Karkera was alert and cleared Amirul Islam’s cross.

Harmanpreet takes control

India doubled their lead in the 22nd minute. Mandeep Singh was blocked inside the circle resulting in a penalty corner.Jugraj Singh hit a defender’s foot on the post and India were awarded a penalty kick. Jugraj made no mistake and made it 2-0.Harmanpreet added another five minutes later. Mandeep created an opening for a penalty corner and Harmanpreet’s powerful swing beat the Bangladesh defence.India went into half-time 3-0 up.

India are on a roll after the break

India increased the pressure after the restart.In the 32nd minute, Dilpreet Singh and Sukhjeet Singh combined with quick passes to break through the Bangladesh defence. Sukhjeet then found an open goal to make it 4-0.Harmanpreet struck again in the 40th minute after Vivek Sagar Prasad won a penalty corner.Shilanand Lakra then scored twice in the 44th and 45th minutes as India went 7-0 up.The goals continued to come in the last quarter as India won 10-0.Harmanpreet scored three times, Abhishek three goals and Jugraj Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra and Sanjay also found the net. Mandeep Singh scored India’s 10th goal.

A two-day break before the clash in Pakistan

India now have a two-day break before the semi-final against Pakistan on October 1.After completing the group stage without defeat and with a +45 goal difference, the defending champions will now focus on the expected clash with their arch-rivals.