The Pakistan Asian Games hockey bronze medal has brought a moment for the national
team after a 12-year wait. Pakistan defeated South Korea 5-3 in the bronze-medal match at the
Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan. The contest was played at the Gifu Prefectural Green
Stadium on October 3, with Pakistan making a comeback after falling behind. Sufyan Khan gave
Pakistan an early lead by scoring from a penalty corner in the fourth minute. South Korea
answered through Lee Gang-san in the 12th minute before Kim Jung-bok gave Korea the lead
in the 18th minute. Yang Ji-hun then scored from a penalty corner in the 25th minute, putting
South Korea two goals ahead. Pakistan kept fighting and Abdul Rehman scored in the 30th
minute to reduce the gap before halftime.

Pakistan returned after the break and continued putting pressure on the South Korean defence.
The third quarter ended without another goal, but Pakistan remained determined to change the
result. Rana Waheed became the key player in the final quarter by scoring twice in the 52nd and
54th minutes. His second goal came from a penalty corner and gave Pakistan a 4-3 lead.
Hannan Shahid then scored Pakistan’s fifth goal in the 59th minute, completing a memorable
comeback. South Korea could not find another goal before the final whistle, allowing Pakistan to
secure the bronze medal. The victory ended Pakistan’s wait for an Asian Games hockey medal
and returned the team to the podium after 12 years. Pakistan Hockey Federation President
Muhyuddin Ahmad Wani congratulated the players, officials and team management on the
achievement. He expressed hope that this performance would support the revival of hockey and
encourage players to continue representing Pakistan. The medal gives supporters a moment
and provides hope for the development of hockey in the country and its supporters.

Source: Pakistan Hockey Federation.

Razia khan