Pakistan fight back to beat South Korea 5-3, win Asian Games hockey bronze

Pakistan secured the men’s hockey bronze medal at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya on Saturday after staging a remarkable comeback to defeat South Korea 5-3 at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium.

The Green-shirts recovered from a two-goal halftime deficit, scoring four unanswered goals in the second half to seal a memorable victory and add another medal to Pakistan’s rich hockey history.

Pakistan made a bright start when Sufyan Khan converted a penalty corner in the opening quarter to give his side an early lead. However, South Korea responded quickly through Lee Gangsan, who levelled the score.

The Koreans dominated the second quarter as Kim YongBok put his team ahead before Yang Jihun converted a penalty corner to extend South Korea’s advantage to 3-1 at halftime.

Pakistan returned after the break with renewed energy and greater attacking intent. Abdul Rehman reduced the deficit in the third quarter, making it 3-2 and setting the stage for a thrilling final period.

The decisive turnaround came in the fourth quarter when Waheed Rana struck twice, including a penalty-corner conversion, to put Pakistan ahead for the first time since the opening stages of the match. Hannan Shahid then added another goal to complete the comeback and secure a 5-3 victory.

South Korea failed to find a response in the

closing moments as Pakistan comfortably held on to claim the bronze medal.

Pakistan enjoyed 57 per cent possession during the match and earned nine penalty corners compared to South Korea’s five, underlining the Green-shirts’ dominance, particularly in the second half.

The victory marks a significant achievement for Pakistan hockey, with the team showing resilience and character to overturn a two-goal deficit and finish the Asian Games campaign on a high note.