Aichi-Nagoya, Oct. 1 -- Defending champions India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 4-3 in a thrilling semi-final to enter the final of the men's hockey event at the Asian Games 2026 on Thursday.

India looked in control early on and took a 2-0 lead in the first quarter, with captain Harmanpreet Singh converting two penalty corners through powerful dragflicks.

Pakistan started aggressively and earned their first shot on target in the third minute, but goalkeeper Suraj Karkera made the save. India then earned their first penalty corner in the fourth minute, and after a series of chances, Harmanpreet opened the scoring in the fifth minute, finding the net through Ali Reza's legs.

India doubled their lead in the 13th minute when Harmanpreet pr...