Asian Games 2026 LIVE streaming in India runs on SonyLIV and the Sony Sports Network. I have been tracking this tournament closely, and the hockey action has been electric.
The Indian men’s team stormed through Pool A with five straight wins, scoring goals for fun. Now they face arch-rivals Pakistan in the semi-final on October 1. The match starts at 1:00 PM IST.
If you want to watch, you need SonyLIV or a Sony Sports channel. DD Sports also shows some matches free. This guide covers the full schedule, live telecast details, and what to expect from the knockouts. No fluff. Just the information you need to catch every moment.
The Semi-Final Everyone Wanted: India vs Pakistan
This is the match that stops both countries. India and Pakistan meet in the Asian Games 2026 men’s hockey semi-final on Thursday, October 1. The venue is the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Kakamigahara, Japan.
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The match starts at 1:00 PM IST.That is 4:30 PM local time in Japan.
India enters as the defending champion. They won gold at Hangzhou 2023. Pakistan is the record eight-time Asian Games champion. This rivalry has history. They have met 184 times since 1956. Pakistan leads the overall head-to-head 82-70, with 32 draws.
But recent history belongs to India. India has won the last three meetings this year. They beat Pakistan twice in the FIH Pro League and once in the World Cup group stage.
The stakes go beyond pride. The winner of this tournament earns a direct quota for the LA 2028 Olympics. That adds extra weight to every pass and every tackle.
India’s Road to the Semi-Final
India did not just qualify. They demolished Pool A.
They opened with a 13-1 win over Indonesia. Then they beat Sri Lanka 16-1. South Korea fell 8-2. Hosts Japan lost 2-0. Bangladesh was dispatched 10-0.
Five matches. Five wins. A goal difference of plus 48.
Dilpreet Singh leads India’s scoring with nine goals. Captain Harmanpreet Singh and Abhishek have eight each.
The Japan match was the only close one. India won 2-0 in rainy conditions. Harmanpreet scored from a penalty corner to seal it.That win confirmed India’s semi-final spot with a game to spare.
Pakistan’s Path to the Final Four
Pakistan finished second in Pool B. They won four of five matches.
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They beat Thailand 9-0, Uzbekistan 5-1, China 3-0, and Oman 7-2. Their only loss came against Malaysia, 5-4.
Sufyan Khan has been Pakistan’s standout player. He is the tournament’s top scorer with 11 goals.
Pakistan’s defense has been shakier than India’s. They conceded seven goals in the group stage. India conceded just four.
How to Watch Asian Games 2026 LIVE Streaming in India?
This is the part most people search for. Here are your options.
Live Streaming:SonyLIV is the official streaming platform . You need a paid subscription. The app works on phones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs.
TV Telecast: Sony Sports Networkholds the broadcast rights . Here is the channel breakdown:
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English: Sony Sports 1 and Sony Sports 5
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Hindi: Sony Sports 3
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Tamil, Telugu, Kannada: Sony Sports 4
Free Option:DD Sports shows select matches through DD Free Dish. This is a good backup if you do not have a SonyLIV subscription. The coverage may not include every match, so check the schedule.
The India vs Pakistan semi-final will be on Sony Sports 5 and Sony Sports 2 for English commentary. Hindi coverage is on Sony Sports 3. Regional languages are on Sony Sports 4.
Full Knockout Schedule
The men’s tournament wraps up this week. Here are the key dates:
| Date | Match | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 1 (Thu) | Semi-final 1 | 1:00 PM |
| Oct 1 (Thu) | Semi-final 2 | 3:30 PM |
| Oct 3 (Sat) | Bronze Medal Match | 1:00 PM |
| Oct 3 (Sat) | Gold Medal Match | 3:30 PM |
The women’s tournament follows a similar pattern. Their semi-finals were on September 30. The women’s gold medal match is on October 2.
What to Expect from India vs Pakistan?
This match will be tight. The group stage was a goal-fest. The semi-final will be a battle.
India has the better defense. They have conceded fewer goals and looked organized under pressure. Pakistan has the tournament’s top scorer in Sufyan Khan. He can change a game with one moment of brilliance.
India’s penalty corner conversion has been a weapon. Harmanpreet Singh is one of the best drag-flickers in the world. Pakistan will need to avoid conceding corners.
The psychological edge belongs to India. They have beaten Pakistan three times this year. They know they can win. Pakistan knows they have struggled against this Indian side.
But this is India vs Pakistan. Rankings and recent form mean nothing. One mistake can decide everything.
FAQ's- AboutAsian Games India Schedule Today
Where can I watch India vs Pakistan hockey live in India?
SonyLIV for streaming. Sony Sports 5 and Sony Sports 2 for English TV. Sony Sports 3 for Hindi.
What time is the India vs Pakistan semi-final?
1:00 PM IST on October 1, 2026.
Is the Asian Games hockey on DD Sports?
Some matches are available free on DD Sports through DD Free Dish. Check local listings.
Can I get a printable Asian Games 2026 bracket?
The official Asian Games website and the Asian Hockey Federation offer downloadable schedules.
Who is India’s top scorer in the tournament?
Dilpreet Singh has nine goals. Harmanpreet Singh and Abhishek have eight each.
Final Thoughts: One Match, One Olympic Spot
India vs Pakistan in hockey is never just a game. This time, an Olympic quota is on the line. The winner goes to Los Angeles 2028. The loser faces a harder path.
India has been the better team this tournament. But Pakistan has the history and the hunger. They have not won Asian Games gold since 2010.
I will be watching on SonyLIV. The match starts at 1:00 PM IST. If you are in India, set a reminder. This is one you do not want to miss.
