India, Sept. 30 -- Defending champions India will renew their fierce hockey rivalry with Pakistan in a high-stakes Asian Games semifinal here on Thursday, with the winner moving into the title clash and closer to securing a direct qualification spot for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The Asian Games gold medallist will earn the direct Olympic berth, giving India added incentive as they look to defend the title they won at the previous edition.

The other semifinal will see Malaysia take on South Korea.

India have been unbeaten in the tournament, topping Pool A with five wins from five matches after bouncing back from a disappointing seventh-place finish at the World Cup earlier this year.

They opened their campaign with a 13-1 win over...