India vs Pakistan Hockey Asian Games Semifinal Live Updates: India beat Pakistan 5-3 the last time the two sides met in the Hockey World Cup earlier this year. (Hockey India/X)

India vs Pakistan Hockey Asian Games Semifinal Live Updates: India are set to face Pakistan in the men’s hockey semifinal of the 2026 Asian Games at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium. The two teams will probably always remain arch-rivals due to the glorious matches that they have played against each other in the past, and the relations between the two countries they represent, but in reality, this is hardly a contest any more. Indian hockey have moved far ahead of its crisis-stricken Pakistan counterpart in the last decade or so and the results are there for all to see on the pitch.

ASIAN GAMES DAY 13 LIVE

At the same time, though, it has to be noted that the last meeting between the two sides was far closer than what India would have liked. That was in the Hockey World Cup in August and India won that match 5-3.  However, the fact that Pakistan losing 5-3 was an encouraging result for them shows just how far behind they have fallen.

Story continues below this ad

Before 2000, India and Pakistan played 92 matches. Pakistan won exactly half of them, 46, India won only 30, while 16 ended in draws, according to The Hockey Museum. Since January 1, 2000, they have played 93 times. India have won 43, including a 7-1 hammering most recently in June. Pakistan have won 38. Twelve have been draws. The statistics are more damning for Pakistan when you look at recent history. Their current winless streak against their neighbours stands at 20 matches and counting, a run dating back to April 2016. India’s longest winless run against Pakistan lasted eight matches between 1988 and 1989.

SCROLL DOWN FOR LIVE UPDATES OF INDIA VS PAKISTAN, ASIAN GAMES MEN’S HOCKEY SEMIFINAL:

Live Updates

Why India versus Pakistan is no longer a competitive rivalry in hockey

Pakistan were once hockey’s trendsetters. They won four World Cups, three Olympic gold medals and produced artists who changed how the game was played. They weren’t merely India’s greatest rivals; for long periods, the Green Shirts were India’s tormentors. But the balance of power has shifted so dramatically that the fixture now feels less like the renewal of a rivalry and more like a reminder of what has been lost.

The numbers tell the story. READ MORE

© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd