Pakistan bow out of Hockey World Cup after 5-3 defeat to India

Pakistan’s Hockey World Cup campaign came to an end after a 5-3 defeat to India in a crucial Pool D clash in Amstelveen, Netherlands, on Wednesday.

India started strongly and took control early in the contest. Harmanpreet Singh opened the scoring in the fifth minute by converting a penalty corner before Abhishek doubled India’s advantage with a field goal in the 11th minute.

India looked dangerous whenever they entered Pakistan’s circle, while Pakistan struggled to create chances and were let down by defensive lapses and poor ball control.

Harmanpreet extended India’s lead to 3-0 in the 21st minute, but Pakistan responded almost immediately. Hannan Shahid pulled one back with a field goal a minute later to give Pakistan hope.

India restored their three-goal advantage in the 24th minute through Abhishek, but Pakistan continued to fight back. Sufyan Khan converted a penalty corner to reduce the deficit to 4-2.

Pakistan improved considerably as the match progressed, particularly in attack, creating more chances and putting India under greater pressure.

India, however, regained control in the third quarter when Hardik Singh converted a penalty stroke in the 35th minute to make it 5-2.

Pakistan refused to give up and Hannan Shahid scored his second goal of the match in the 46th minute, bringing Pakistan back to within two goals and offering a late glimmer of hope.

India held on to secure a 5-3 victory and book their place in the next round alongside England.

The defeat ended Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the title race. Pakistan finished third in Pool D with one point from three matches, having lost to England, drawn 3-3 with Wales and now suffered defeat against India.

Pakistan will now compete in the classification round, where they will battle for a 9th–16th place finish at the 2026 Hockey World Cup.