By Prarthana Hazarika
Exclusive from Nagoya | The Meghalayan Express
Nagoya, Oct 01: The celebrations were loud, the tension was palpable, and the message from the Indian hockey camp was unmistakable: reaching the final is not enough. India now wants two gold medals.
For the first time in several years, both the Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams have reached the finals of the same Asian Games, presenting the country with a historic opportunity to chase a double-gold finish at Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
For Tapan Das, Executive Member of Hockey India, who is in Nagoya witnessing the action, the men’s dramatic 4–3 semifinal victory over arch-rivals Pakistan was a moment that captured everything that makes Indian hockey special — pressure, resilience, emotion and the ability to deliver when it matters most.
Speaking exclusively to The Meghalayan Express from Nagoya, Das described the atmosphere surrounding the semifinal as extraordinary, with Indian supporters creating an electrifying environment inside the stadium.
“Today’s atmosphere was truly historic. I was present at the venue and experienced the tension and excitement firsthand. When India and Pakistan meet, whether in cricket or hockey, the atmosphere is always intense,” Das said.
But Thursday’s contest was not simply another India-Pakistan encounter. It was a semifinal in which India had to withstand a formidable comeback before securing its place in the final.
From 3–3 anxiety to a last-minute statement
India appeared to have the contest under control, but Pakistan fought back in the fourth quarter to draw level at 3–3. Suddenly, a match that had seemed to be moving in India’s favour became a nerve-racking battle.
The tension inside the Indian camp was unmistakable.
With Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha and other officials present, the stakes were high. The Indian players, however, responded when it mattered most, scoring the decisive goal in the closing seconds to seal a remarkable 4–3 victory.
“The moment Pakistan made it 3–3, the tension increased. Everyone was wondering how India would reach the final. But our players showed tremendous character. To score the winning goal in the closing seconds was truly remarkable,” Das said.
The comeback also underlined the importance of mental strength in knockout hockey, where a single lapse can undo an otherwise commanding performance.
For Das, the players deserve credit not only for the result but also for the way they handled the pressure of an emotionally charged contest.
Two finals. One national ambition.
The men’s victory has added to the excitement surrounding India’s women’s team, which has also secured its place in the gold-medal match.
Having both teams in the final gives Indian hockey a rare opportunity to make a powerful statement on the continental stage. The prospect of two gold medals has raised expectations, but Das believes the teams must remain composed and focused.
“We have a tremendous opportunity before us. Both our men’s and women’s teams are in the final, and our hope is that both teams will win gold and bring glory to India,” he said.
The challenge now is to translate semifinal success into championship victories. The final will demand discipline, concentration and the same fighting spirit that carried the men’s team past Pakistan.
Das also acknowledged the role played by Indian supporters, whose vocal backing helped energise the players throughout the high-pressure encounter.
“The Indian supporters have given the team tremendous encouragement. Our players have also acknowledged their support. That enthusiasm is important, and we hope it continues into the final,” he said.
The final hurdle: Finish the job
For the Indian men’s team, defeating Pakistan has delivered a major psychological boost. But the gold medal will require one more performance of the highest standard. The women, too, face the decisive challenge of converting their final berth into a title.
Das is hopeful that both teams can rise to the occasion.
“Our wish is that both the men’s and women’s teams play with confidence, avoid unnecessary risks and win gold medals for India. We want them to return home having created history,” he said.
The celebrations in Nagoya reflect the significance of the moment. Yet, within the Indian hockey camp, the focus must now shift from the euphoria of reaching the final to the discipline required to win it.
India has survived the pressure of a dramatic semifinal against Pakistan. Its women have also earned a shot at gold. The opportunity is enormous, but the job remains unfinished.
Two teams. Two finals. Two gold medals within reach.
For Indian hockey, Nagoya now offers the chance to turn a memorable campaign into a defining Asian Games achievement.
The Meghalayan Express — Exclusive from Nagoya.
