India produced a strong performance at the 2026 Asian Games on Thursday, defeating Pakistan 4-3 in a thrilling men's hockey semifinal to book a place in the gold-medal match.
The high-profile contest was one of the biggest events of Day 12, with India and Pakistan meeting for a place in the final. India eventually held on to win 4-3 and secure a medal opportunity.
Harmanpreet Singh played a key role for India, scoring twice from penalty corners. Manpreet Singh also contributed to India's attacking effort as the team maintained pressure on Pakistan.
The hockey victory was part of an eventful day for the Indian contingent, which collected medals and secured places in several finals across different sports.
In men's cricket, India reached the gold-medal match after defeating Sri Lanka by 124 runs in the semifinal. India scored 169/7 in their 20 overs, with Ishan Kishan producing the top score of 80 from 46 balls. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also contributed 38 off 21 deliveries.
Sri Lanka struggled during the chase and were bowled out for just 45. Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and Abhishek Sharma claimed two wickets each, while Washington Sundar took one wicket. The result means India are guaranteed at least a silver medal and will face Pakistan in the men's cricket final.
India also secured a silver medal in sailing. Manu Francis and Prince Kurisinkal Noble finished second in the men's skiff event behind China. Across nine races, the Indian pair accumulated 23 points and won one of the races.
In archery, Ganesh Mani Ratnam Thirumuru added a bronze medal in the men's individual compound event. He defeated Vietnam's Cong Duc Dang 149-144 in the bronze-medal match. Ganesh had earlier lost his semifinal to South Korea's Kim Jongho.
India also confirmed a medal in men's sepaktakraw. The Indian team advanced to the semifinals of the men's quadrant event after defeating its opponents and securing at least a bronze medal.
Wrestler Nitesh Siwach advanced to the final of the men's Greco-Roman 97kg category after defeating Mongolia's Gankhuyag Ganbaatar by technical superiority. Nitesh established an early lead and completed the bout without conceding a point, ensuring himself at least a silver medal.
There were setbacks as well. India's women's squash team lost 1-2 to Hong Kong, China, in the semifinal and finished with a bronze medal. Mansi lost her women's 62kg wrestling semifinal to Japan's Nonoka Ozaki and will now compete in the bronze-medal bout.
In shooting, Anish Bhanwala finished seventh in the men's 25m rapid-fire pistol final after qualifying for the medal round. He had entered the final after finishing ninth in qualification.
India also suffered defeats in men's volleyball against Pakistan and in tennis, where Sumit Nagal lost his men's singles quarterfinal against China's Wu Yibing.
With hockey and cricket both producing major results, India's campaign remains active across several disciplines as the Asian Games move towards the final days of competition.
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