India beat Pakistan to reach U18 Hockey Asia Cup final

TOKYO: India moved into the final of the U18 Hockey Asia Cup 2026 after beating Pakistan 5-3 in the second semi-final at the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Hockey Stadium on Friday.

The match began at a high tempo, with both teams showing attacking intent in an energetic opening quarter. India took the lead in the 12th minute after Pakistan’s review failed to overturn an on-field decision and a penalty stroke was awarded. Purti Ashish Tani converted from the spot to put India ahead.

Pakistan responded in the second quarter and earned several opportunities from penalty corners, but could not make them count. The equaliser came in the 27th minute when Adeel scored to send the sides into the break level at 1-1.

India stepped up the pressure in the third quarter, while Pakistan stayed organised and threatened on the counterattack. Ali Shahrukh restored India’s lead in the 35th minute, but Pakistan replied quickly as Muhammad Farhan Aslam scored in the 37th minute to make it 2-2. Pakistan then went in front in the 42nd minute when Uzair Ahmed converted a penalty corner, giving his side a 3-2 advantage heading into the last quarter.

India, however, took control in the final period. Tani brought his team level again from a penalty corner before completing his hat-trick in the 53rd minute to make it 4-3. He added another goal late in the match as India sealed a 5-3 win.

India will now play Japan in the final at the same venue on Saturday. Pakistan had reached the semi-finals after defeating Bangladesh 5-2 earlier in the tournament.