Asia Cup Hockey: India’s title hopes dashed after dropping 2-3 to Korea within the semi-finals

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The Indian ladies’s hockey staff’s hopes of defending the Asia Cup title had been dashed as Korea gained 2-3 to qualify for the ultimate of the continental competitors on the Sultan Qaboos Complex right here on Wednesday.

India acquired off to an awesome begin and took the lead within the twenty eighth minute via Vandana Katariya, earlier than Korea made a formidable comeback after a change of ends and captained Enubi Cheon (thirty first), Seung Joo Lee (forty fifth) and Hyejin Cho. (forty seventh) via. holders.

India will now tackle the second semi-final loser between Japan and China within the third-fourth place play-off match on Friday.

If the primary two quarters belonged to India, the Koreans dominated the sport after the half-time break.

India secured a penalty nook initially of the primary quarter however Gurjit Kaur’s flick was saved by the Korean goalkeeper.

A couple of minutes later, a reverse hit from Shamila Devi flew inches over the aim from the highest of the circle.

Lalremsiami rapidly gave India the lead from shut vary however the aim was denied for a foul contained in the aim.

Just a few seconds after the top of the primary quarter, Vandana’s reverse hit try was saved from a go by the Korean custodian.

The Indians got here shut twice and had been the higher aspect within the efficiency to this point however did not convert their probabilities into objectives.

The Koreans on the counter seemed harmful however the Indian protection was as much as the duty.

Korea secured their first penalty nook within the second quarter however did not breach the Indian protection as skipper Savita produced a double save.

Two minutes after respite, India secured back-to-back penalty corners and Vandana this time scored with a rebound from the second set to present the defending champions a 1-0 lead at half-time.

The Koreans parted methods after respiratory and leveled within the thirty first minute when Cheon scored from a penalty nook after Savita’s opening shot was saved.

Poor penalty nook conversion value India dearly as as soon as once more Gurjeet remained off track.

In the third quarter itself, Korea stunned India by taking the lead from Lee as Savita made a mistake within the routine save.

Two minutes into the fourth and ultimate quarter, Korea made it 3-1 of their favor when Cho, receiving a go from Hejong Shin, pushed the ball over off-balance Savita.

With time operating out, Lalremsiami, guiding Vandana right into a excessive ball, lowered the margin for India from a hooter by six minutes, nevertheless it was too late.

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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS

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