In the 19th Asian Games currently underway in the Chinese city of Hangzhou, the Pakistani hockey team was eliminated from the competition after losing a thrilling match to Japan in the semi-finals. Japan defeated Pakistan in a closely contested match, securing their place in the event’s semi-finals.
From the Pakistani side, striker Arshad Liaqat scored a field goal in the 5th minute of the game, giving his team the lead. However, Japan’s player Kaito Tanaka equalized with a penalty corner goal in the 6th minute. Pakistan took the lead again when Arbaz Ahmed scored another goal through a penalty corner in the 28th minute.
Japan managed to score their second field goal in the 17th minute and their third goal through a penalty corner in the 28th minute. Pakistan also earned three penalty corners, out of which one resulted in a goal. Japan, on the other hand, was successful in converting two penalty corners into goals.
The Asian Games hockey competition features a total of twelve teams. These teams are divided into two pools. Pakistan, along with India, Japan, Bangladesh, Singapore, and Uzbekistan, is part of Pool A, while Korea, Malaysia, China, Oman, Thailand, and Indonesia compete in Pool B.