Pakistan reach Asian Games hockey semifinals after 7-2 win over Oman

Pakistan ended their Asian Games hockey pool campaign on a high note, beating Oman 7-2 on Monday to strengthen their position in the race for a medal.

Rana Waheed scored three goals, while Sufyan Khan added two from penalty corners as Pakistan produced a dominant display at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium. Ghazanfar Ali and Ammad Butt also scored.

Pakistan went into the break with a 5-1 lead after taking control of the match. Sufyan opened the scoring in the 22nd minute and struck again six minutes later. Waheed then found the net in the 34th minute before Ghazanfar made it 4-1 in the 40th. Waheed scored again four minutes later to give Pakistan a four-goal advantage at half-time.

Oman managed two goals through Al Baraa Al Nofli and Aiman Madit, but Pakistan continued to dominate.

Ammad restored Pakistan’s five-goal lead in the 46th minute, before Waheed completed his hat-trick in the final minute of the match.

The victory gave Pakistan four wins from five pool matches. They had earlier defeated Thailand 9-0, Uzbekistan 5-1 and China 3-0 before losing a high-scoring contest 5-4 to Malaysia.

The top two sides from each pool will qualify for the semifinals, which are scheduled for October 1.

Pakistan also enjoyed a positive day in other team competitions, with the men’s volleyball side winning in straight games and both squash teams recording victories.