Pakistan Beat South Korea 5–3 to Win Asian Games Hockey Bronze After 12 Years

Aichi-Nagoya / Gifu (Nazrana Times Sports Desk): Pakistan secured the bronze medal in the men’s hockey competition at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, defeating South Korea 5–3 in an entertaining third-place playoff.

Playing at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium, Pakistan made a strong start and took an early lead through Sufyan Khan, who converted a penalty corner in the fourth minute.

South Korea responded strongly, with Lee Gang-san equalising in the 12th minute before Kim Jung-bok struck in the 18th minute. Yang Ji-hun then converted a penalty corner in the 25th minute to give Korea a 3–1 advantage.

Pakistan, however, fought back before half-time. Abdul Rehman converted a penalty corner in the 30th minute to reduce the deficit to 3–2.

The decisive turnaround came late in the match. Rana Waheed scored twice in quick succession, finding the net in the 52nd and 54th minutes, including a penalty-corner conversion, as Pakistan moved ahead 4–3.

Hannan Shahid added Pakistan’s fifth goal in the 59th minute to complete a 5–3 victory and secure the bronze medal.

The result marked an important achievement for Pakistan hockey, ending a 12-year wait for an Asian Games medal.

Pakistan Hockey Federation President Muhyuddin Ahmad Wani congratulated the national team, players and officials on the achievement and expressed hope that the side would continue producing strong performances and bringing further honours to Pakistan.
 

Match Summary
 

Pakistan 5–3 South Korea

Pakistan scorers:

Sufyan Khan – 4’ (PC)

Abdul Rehman – 30’ (PC)

Rana Waheed – 52’, 54’ (PC)

Hannan Shahid – 59’

South Korea scorers:

Lee Gang-san – 12’

Kim Jung-bok – 18’

Yang Ji-hun – 25’ (PC)