Sri Lanka enter Asian Games hockey semis qualifier

By Susil Premalal

Sri Lanka entered the semi-finals of the Asian Games 2026 men’s hockey aualifier tournament as Group B champions finishing with six points while Uzbekistan with four points secured the runner-up position to advance to the semis.
The tournament, featuring nine Asian nations, is currently being held in Bangkok, Thailand while the matches in Group A are in progress and the semi-finalists from that group are yet to be determined.
Sri Lanka played three matches in Group B, winning two and losing one to top the group standings and book their place in the semi-finals. In their final group match played yesterday, Sri Lanka suffered a 3–1 defeat to Taipei but earlier victories against Uzbekistan and Bangladesh ensured their passage as group leaders.
Sri Lanka made a strong start against Taipei, taking a 1–0 lead in the first period, before the teams went into halftime level at 1–1. 
However Taipei took control in the latter stages, leading 2–1 at the end of the third period and eventually sealed a 3–1 win at full time.
Notably, this marked Taipei’s first win in a group match of the tournament.
The lone goal for Sri Lanka was scored by K. Damian in the 13th minute.