ISLAMABAD, Oct 03 (APP):Pakistan ended a 12-year wait for an Asian Games hockey medal after defeating South Korea 5-3 in a thrilling bronze-medal playoff at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Japan. Playing at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium, Pakistan produced an attacking display and held their nerve in a closely contested encounter to secure the bronze medal. Pakistan took an early lead in the fourth minute when Sufyan …
Pakistan clinch Asian Games hockey medal after 12 years, beat South Korea 5-3
ISLAMABAD, Oct 03 (APP):Pakistan ended a 12-year wait for an Asian Games hockey medal after defeating South Korea 5-3 in a thrilling bronze-medal playoff at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Japan.
Playing at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium, Pakistan produced an attacking display and held their nerve in a closely contested encounter to secure the bronze medal.
Pakistan took an early lead in the fourth minute when Sufyan Khan converted a penalty corner. South Korea responded through Lee Gang-san, who levelled the score in the 12th minute, before Kim Jung-bok put Korea ahead in the 18th minute.
South Korea extended their advantage when Yang Ji-hun scored from a penalty corner in the 25th minute.
Pakistan, however, staged a strong comeback before halftime, with Abdul Rehman converting a penalty corner in the 30th minute to reduce the deficit.
Pakistan continued their attacking momentum in the second half, with Rana Waheed scoring twice in the 52nd and 54th minutes, including a goal from a penalty corner, to put Pakistan back in front.
Hannan Shahid then sealed the victory by scoring Pakistan’s fifth goal in the 59th minute.
The 5-3 victory secured Pakistan the bronze medal and marked their return to the Asian Games hockey podium after a 12-year gap.
Pakistan Hockey Federation President Muhyuddin Ahmad Wani congratulated the national team, players and officials on the achievement. He expressed hope that the team’s performance would provide further impetus to the revival and development of hockey in Pakistan and enable the players to continue bringing honour to the country.
