India-Pakistan rivalry takes centre stage as hockey heavyweights meet in Asian Games semifinal

Irrespective of the widening gap in recent results, India-Pakistan hockey has never been just another match. The rivalry carries an emotion few other contests can match, and it will take centre stage again when the cross-border rivals meet in the Asian Games men’s semifinal.India have been unbeaten in the tournament, winning all five of their league fixtures. Their toughest test came against hosts Japan, whom they beat 2-0.Pakistan, meanwhile, were expected to top their pool but a narrow 4-5 defeat to Malaysia pushed them into second place and brought the old rivals together in the semifinal. It also ended the possibility of an India-Pakistan gold-medal clash.On paper, India — unbeaten against Pakistan for a decade — will start with the better recent record. But with an Olympic berth at stake, there is little room for complacency.The defending champions have been prolific in front of goal, scoring 49 times. Striker Dilpreet Singh leads the charts with nine, while Harmanpreet and Abhishek have eight each. Fifteen of India’s goals have come from penalty corners.Pakistan, however, have a potent weapon of their own. Drag-flicker Sufiyan Khan has been in excellent touch, scoring 11 goals in the league phase.Pal ruled outIndia will be without midfielder Raj Kumar Pal, who has been ruled out after fracturing his left thumb during the final league match against Bangladesh. Travelling reserve Nilakanta Sharma will take his place in the squad.India’s dominance in the classic rivalry is reflected in their last Asian Games meeting, when they thrashed Pakistan 10-2 in the league phase in 2023. However, in the recent FIH World Cup, India were made to sweat for a 5-3 victory.Dwelling on the last-four contest, Harmanpreet said, “Pakistan is always a special challenge, and we know a semifinal demands our complete focus. We have worked hard throughout this tournament and built good momentum. In the semifinals, it is about staying calm, trusting our preparation, playing together and giving everything for India. We want to earn our place in the final.”In the other semifinal, Malaysia take on South Korea.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.