Pakistan defeat South Korea 5-3 to win the bronze medal in men’s hockey at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. The victory ended Pakistan’s 12-year wait for an Asian Games hockey medal.
The bronze-medal match was played at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Kakamigahara. Pakistan faced a tough challenge after South Korea built a 3-1 lead. The national team responded with a strong comeback in the final quarter.
Pakistan Fight Back After Early Setback
Pakistan made a bright start when Sufyan Khan converted a penalty corner in the fourth minute. South Korea responded through Gangsan Lee in the 12th minute.
Yongbok Kim then put South Korea ahead in the 18th minute. Yang Ji-hun increased the advantage to 3-1 with another penalty-corner goal in the 25th minute.
Pakistan refused to surrender before halftime. Abdul Rehman converted a penalty corner in the 30th minute. His goal reduced the deficit to 3-2 at the break.
Neither side scored during the third quarter. Pakistan entered the final 15 minutes one goal behind. The team then produced its best hockey of the match.
Rana Waheed Inspires Pakistan’s Comeback
Rana Waheed became the key player during Pakistan’s comeback. He scored the equaliser in the 52nd minute to make it 3-3.
Two minutes later, Waheed struck again from a penalty corner. His second goal gave Pakistan a 4-3 lead and put South Korea under pressure.
South Korea searched for an equaliser but could not break through Pakistan’s defence. Hannan Shahid then scored in the 59th minute to make the score 5-3.
The result confirmed that Pakistan defeat South Korea 5-3 after recovering from a two-goal deficit. Pakistan held on during the closing moments to secure the bronze medal.
Pakistan Return to Asian Games Podium
The bronze medal marks Pakistan’s return to the Asian Games hockey podium after 12 years. The team last won an Asian Games hockey medal in 2014, when it claimed silver.
The result also provides a boost after Pakistan’s narrow semi-final defeat to India. Despite missing out on the final, Pakistan finished the tournament with a medal.
The 5-3 victory over South Korea gives Pakistan hockey another important achievement and provides confidence for the team’s upcoming international competitions.
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