Aichi-Nagoya, Oct. 1 -- Indian men's hockey team players expressed confidence ahead of the men's final at the Asian Games 2026 after they defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 4-3 in a thrilling semi-final on Thursday.

In the semi-final match, India took a 3-0 lead against Pakistan through two penalty-corner goals from Harmanpreet Singh and a Sukhjeet Singh field goal. Pakistan fought back with goals from Abu Baker, Hannan Shahid and Waheed Rana to level the match at 3-3. India eventually sealed a thrilling 4-3 win with 50 seconds remaining when Abhishek's effort deflected off a Pakistan stick and went into the net, sending the defending champions into the Asian Games men's hockey final.

Meanwhile, in the other semifinal clash, Malaysia defeate...