After losing the semifinals against Japan, Indian men’s hockey came from behind to beat arch rivals Pakistan to clinch the bronze medal at the Asian Champions Trophy. The Men in Blue played some dominating hockey throughout the tournament. But they were not in their element in the semifinals against Japan. However, they somehow clawed their way back to clinch the bronze medal from the continental tournament.
Graham Reid’s men came from behind to beat Pakistan 4-3. Goals from Harmanpreet Singh (2′), Sumit (45′), Varun Kumar (54′) and Akashdeep (57′) helped India bag the bronze medal. India started the game brilliantly earning a second-minute penalty corner. But Pakistan held their own really well as their first rusher Ajaz Ahmad made effective runs to stop the Indian drag flickers. India’s vice-captain Harmanpreet Singh however was resilient with his efforts as he rippled the back of the net on his four attempts.
However, Pakistan were very quick to come up with a reply when a defensive error allowed forward Afraz to restore parity. The Pakistani attacker was exceptional with his movement and completed it by slotting it past the Indian goalkeeper.
Pakistan could have taken the lead in the 13th minute when they got their first PC but a brilliant save from Krishan Pathak kept India in the game.
However Pakistan did take the lead in the 33rd minute when they took a 2-1 lead in the game courtesy of a great goal from young midfielder Abdul Rana who recently led the Pakistan junior team in the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup. Rana was quick to pick up a rebound from a PC and calmly slotted it past the Indian goalkeeper.
Although India created several chances, they were wasteful in converting those chances into goals. But they finally turned up in the closing quarter of the game. Indian clawed their way back in the game via Sumit who scored an equaliser in the 45th minute.
In the 54th and 57th minute, India scored through Varun Kumar’s PC and Akashdeep Singh’s fine field goal that resulted in India’s win over Pakistan. However, Pakistan still tried their best to come back in the game with several chances but the Men in blue defended resolutely to win the entertaining fixture.
