Pakistan crash out of Hockey World Cup after 5-3 defeat to India
The Nation (Pakistan ) · OUR STAFF REPORT · 2026-08-20T01:45:51+00:00 · nguồn gốc
LAHORE - India ended Pakistan’s Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign with a 5-3 victory over their arch-rivals in a Pool D clash at the Wagener Stadium on Wednesday, leaving the Green Shirts without a win in the tournament.
Harmanpreet Singh and Abhishek scored twice each, while Hardik Singh also found the net as India produced a strong attacking display to secure all three points and end Pakistan’s hopes of progressing further. India made a flying start, with Harmanpreet converting a penalty corner in the fifth minute. Abhishek doubled the advantage six minutes later with an impressive field goal.
Harmanpreet struck again from a penalty corner in the 21st minute to put India 3-0 ahead before Pakistan finally responded through Hannan Shahid, who scored a field goal a minute later. India immediately restored their two-goal cushion through Abhishek, but Pakistan continued to fight back. Sufyan Khan converted a penalty corner in the 24th minute to reduce the deficit to 4-2 at half-time. India extended their lead early in the second half when Hardik Singh successfully converted a penalty stroke in the 34th minute. Pakistan refused to surrender and earned a penalty corner in the 41st minute, but failed to capitalise. Shahid eventually scored his second goal in the final quarter to make it 5-3 and give Pakistan renewed hope. The Green Shirts pushed forward in the closing stages in search of another goal, while India defended resolutely. Neither side could add to the score as India held on for a decisive victory.
Pakistan’s campaign had begun with a 4-1 defeat against England before they drew 3-3 with Wales. The loss to India meant Pakistan finished the pool stage without registering a victory in their return to the Hockey World Cup after a lengthy absence.