ACT Hockey: India Conquer Pakistan Again, Claim Bronze Medal

Dhaka: The Indian men’s hockey team continued its dominance over arch-rivals Pakistan with another victory on Wednesday.

In a thrilling encounter, India prevailed 4-3 to claim bronze medal in the Asian Champions Trophy despite having to play with nine men in the final few minutes.

India had overcome Pakistan 3-1 in the group league encounter five days ago.

Both teams suffered shock, heart-breaking defeats in their respective semifinals a day before. While India went down 3-5 to Japan, Pakistan were edged out 5-6 by South Korea.

On Wednesday, India showed their determination from the early minutes, forcing five penalty corners. Harmanpreet Singh scored from one, but Pakistan made it 1-1 through Arfraz in the 10th minute.

The second quarter didn’t produce a goal, but Pakistan took the lead after half-time when Abdul Rana drove home a ricochet from a penalty corner attempt. Three seconds before end of third quarter, Gursahibjit Singh combined well for Sumit to score a fine field goal.

Locked 2-2 with 15 minutes left, Varun Kumar handed India the lead by sounding the boards from another penalty corner.

Akashdeep Singh then fed off Lalit Upadhyay to finish off a speedy move as India led 4-2 with under three minutes to go.

Pakistan closed the gap to one goal and India had two men given temporary marching orders. But the scoreline remained 4-3 in favour of India as the final hooter went off.