Pakistan cruise past China, close in on Asian Games hockey semis
Pakistan's men's hockey team defeated China 3-0 in the 2026 Asian Games, significantly improving their chances of reaching the semi-finals. The team displayed a strong defensive performance and clinical finishing to maintain their unbeaten run in Pool B.
Why it matters
The victory positions Pakistan as a serious medal contender in the Asian Games, reflecting the team's current form and tactical discipline.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan took a giant stride towards the semi-finals of the men’s hockey event at the 20th Asian Games, producing a commanding performance to outclass hosts China 3-0 in Aichi-Nagoya on Thursday.
The Greenshirts, who had already brushed aside Thailand and Uzbekistan in their opening Pool B matches, came up with a far more authoritative display against China, underlining their credentials as serious medal contenders.
Pakistan broke the deadlock in the 19th minute when Abu Bakar Mahmood made the most of a penalty corner, sending a powerful flick past the Chinese defence to put Pakistan ahead. The goal opened the floodgates as Pakistan continued to exert pressure and doubled their advantage just five minutes later. Penalty-corner specialist Sufyan Khan unleashed another fierce effort from a set piece to make it 2-0.
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