Asian Games: India Edge Pakistan in Hockey Thriller, Nitesh Siwach Wins Wrestling Silver

India survived a fierce Pakistan comeback to reach the men’s hockey final, while wrestler Nitesh Siwach claimed silver as the country added four medals on Day 12 of the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya on Thursday.

The defending hockey champions surrendered a 3-0 lead before striking with just 50 seconds remaining to secure a dramatic 4-3 semifinal victory. Nitesh, meanwhile, lost 0-4 to Japan’s Yuri Nakazato in the men’s 97kg Greco-Roman final.

Three Goals Up, Then Under Siege

Captain Harmanpreet Singh gave India an early advantage, converting penalty corners in the fifth and 13th minutes. His first dragflick went through goalkeeper Ali Reza’s legs; the second was another low, powerful strike that beat Pakistan’s defence.

India appeared firmly in control when Sukhjeet Singh deflected a pass from Shilanand into the net in the 24th minute to make it 3-0.

Pakistan began their recovery five minutes later. Abu Baker’s dragflick struck Mohith before rolling into the goal, cutting the deficit to 3-1 at half-time.

India could not extend their lead in the third quarter, and Pakistan seized their opportunity after Dilpreet Singh received a green card in the 44th minute. Hannan Shahid scored against the temporarily depleted Indian side to make it 3-2.

Waheed Rana then brought Pakistan level in the 49th minute, setting up a tense finish.

Fifty Seconds, One Decisive Goal

Both teams pressed for a winner. Amit Rohidas blocked Sufiyan’s dragflick from a Pakistan penalty corner in the 54th minute, keeping India level.

With around 90 seconds remaining, Pakistan successfully reviewed a penalty corner awarded to India, overturning the decision. But the reprieve proved brief.

Abhishek’s effort was saved, and a rebound was also stopped before the ball eventually went in off a Pakistan stick with 50 seconds left. India held on to seal their place in the final and keep their title defence alive.

Nitesh Takes Silver

In the wrestling final, Nitesh struggled to break through Nakazato’s control.

The Japanese wrestler established a 2-0 advantage in the opening period after Nitesh was penalised for passivity. The Indian defended subsequent attacks to keep the contest within reach but could not find a scoring opportunity.

Nakazato added another two points with about two minutes remaining. He also threatened to finish the bout with a pin, but Nitesh resisted and stayed in the contest until the end.

The 0-4 defeat left Nitesh with silver and extended India’s wait for an Asian Games gold in Greco-Roman wrestling.

Four Medals on Day 12

Nitesh’s silver was India’s fourth medal of the day. Manu Francis and Prince Noble also won silver in the men’s skiff sailing event.

The women’s squash team secured bronze after a semifinal defeat, while Ganesh Mani Ratnam Thirumuru beat Vietnam’s Cong Duc Dang to claim bronze in men’s individual compound archery.

With inputs from ANI