India defeated South Africa 5-2 in classification match, finished at ninth in the men's World Hockey Championship

In the first quarter, India showed attacking play and penetrated South Africa's penalty area early. The home side took an early lead in the fourth minute when Abhishek collected a pass from the goal circle and slotted it into the net to make it 1-0. After winning the penalty in the 11th minute, captain Harmanpreet Singh also got on the scoreboard with a brilliant move. India doubled the lead. No goals were seen in the second quarter. India deserved the computer but failed to capitalize on it.

Despite this, the hosts continued to play attacking hockey. South Africa also showed improvement in their attacking play. In the second quarter, they showed more possession and passing. At the end of the second quarter and first half, India was leading the game 2-0. South Africa received their first penalty corner in the 32nd minute. Amit Rohidas was booked for throwing his equipment after SA received a computer that hit an opposing player. After that, SA got another computer that he couldn't convert.

At the end of the third quarter, India led 3–0. South Africa managed to open their own scoring in the 49th minute, Samkelo Mvimbi received a pass from the air and sent it past goalkeeper PR Sreejesh. The score was now 1-4. In the 59th minute of the match, Sukhjeet came back and supported Akashdeep, whose shot lacked power. Akashdeep found the ball in front of the net and scored India's fifth goal.