Defending champions India completed a perfect Pool A campaign at the 20th Asian Games with a dominant 10-0 victory over Bangladesh on Monday. The Indian team had already booked their spot in the semifinals in a high-stakes men’s hockey clash against arch-rivals Pakistan.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh led the way with a hat-trick as the Indians overcame rainy conditions and a waterlogged pitch to register their fifth consecutive win. Abhishek opened the scoring in the third minute with a reverse-stick finish. Jugraj Singh converted a penalty stroke in the 22nd minute, before Harmanpreet struck from penalty corners in the 27th, 40th and 45th minutes.
Asian Games: India vs Pakistan Hockey semifinal schedule, live info and more; when & where to watch?
Sukhjeet Singh (32nd), Shilanand Lakra (44th and 45th), Sanjay (59th) and Mandeep Singh (60th) completed the rout. India finished top of Pool A with maximum points and a goal difference of +45 after earlier victories over Indonesia (13-1), Sri Lanka (16-1), South Korea (8-2) and hosts Japan (2-0).
Meanwhile, India’s next opponent, Pakistan, advanced from Pool B, while Malaysia faces South Korea in the other. The India-Pakistan clash renews one of hockey’s fiercest rivalries and carries extra significance, as the tournament doubles as a qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with the gold medallists earning a direct berth. Ahead of the clash, here is all you need to know about it.
Asian Games: India vs Pakistan Hockey semifinal schedule, date, time
The Asian Games 2026 hockey semifinal between India and Pakistan is scheduled for Thursday, October 1 at 1:00 PM IST.
Asian Games: India vs Pakistan Hockey semifinal live info, stream, telecast; where to watch?
The Asian Games 2026 hockey semifinal between India and Pakistan will be live telecast on the Sony Sports network. It can be live-streamed on the Sony LIV app and website.