India Dominates Pakistan in Men’s Hockey, Secures Semifinal Spot
India showcased their dominance over Pakistan in the men’s hockey match, securing a well-deserved spot in the semifinals. The match took place amidst a charged atmosphere in front of enthusiastic fans in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
Right from the start, both teams exhibited attacking gameplay, injecting excitement into the opening quarter. Pakistan initiated several attempts on the Indian goal, but the solid Indian defense refused to yield, denying their rivals any breakthroughs. In a crucial moment, Indian goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak made a brilliant save from a penalty corner executed by Pakistan.
India swiftly took control and initiated a string of attacks, with Karthi Selvam, Jarmanpreet Singh, and Mandeep Singh making threatening moves towards the Pakistani goal. Pakistan sought a penalty corner in the ninth minute, but the video referee ruled against them. As the first quarter was drawing to a close, India earned a penalty corner, which was brilliantly converted by Harmanpreet, propelling India into the lead.
The second quarter began with an attacking move from Pakistan’s Abdul Hannan, but India quickly regained control. They launched three rapid attacks through Amit Rohidas, Mandeep Singh, and Sukhjeet Singh. Pakistan came close to equalizing in the 21st minute when Abdul Rehman penetrated the Indian defense, but veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh denied them.
In the 23rd minute, India won their second penalty corner, and Harmanpreet seized the opportunity, sending a powerful flick between the legs of the Pakistani goalkeeper to double India’s lead. India continued to pile pressure on Pakistan, earning consecutive penalty corners in the 30th minute. However, Harmanpreet couldn’t convert on both occasions, which prompted India to request a video referral, claiming a Pakistani player blocked a goalbound shot with their foot. Yet, their appeal was rejected.
As the teams headed into halftime, India held a comfortable 2-0 lead. The third quarter saw India maintain their momentum, securing another penalty corner in the 36th minute, which Jugraj Singh skillfully converted, extending India’s lead to three goals. India persisted with their attacks, and in the 41st minute, Harmanpreet seemingly scored their fourth goal. However, after a video referral, the goal was disallowed due to a dangerous ball. India had another golden opportunity, but Akashdeep missed the mark.
Pakistan managed to earn only their second penalty corner of the match in the 43rd minute but couldn’t capitalize on it. India further bolstered their lead in the 55th minute when Akashdeep deflected Mandeep Singh’s strike into the net, securing India’s fourth goal.
India’s dominance was reflected in their superior penalty corner conversion rate, scoring three out of five opportunities. Despite their efforts, Pakistan failed to penetrate India’s defense and struggled to maintain possession. The Indians relentlessly attacked until the final minute.
With this resounding victory, India topped the standings with 13 points, consisting of four wins and one draw. Pakistan, despite finishing with five points, shared equally with Korea and Japan, suffered heartbreak as they crashed out of the tournament due to an unfavorable goal difference.
India’s emphatic win sets up a semifinal clash with Japan on Friday, while Malaysia will face Korea in the other semifinal. The atmosphere promises to be electric as the teams vie for a spot in the highly anticipated final.
The match was witnessed by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, who greeted players from both nations, and renowned Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin, who graced the occasion with his presence. The support and encouragement from these notable personalities served as an inspiration to the players.
All eyes now turn to the upcoming semifinals as the teams battle it out to claim the coveted title in what promises to be an enthralling display of skill, determination, and passion for the sport.
