India are one win away from ending a 44-year wait for the Asian Games women’s hockey gold medal after beating South Korea 2-0 in the semifinal in Nagoya on Wednesday.
Ishika Chaudhary and captain Salima Tete scored in the second half as India overcame a disciplined South Korean defence to book their place in Friday’s final against defending champions China.
India break through after frustrating first half
India dominated possession and territory early on but struggled to find a way through a compact South Korean defence. The Koreans repeatedly thwarted India’s circle entries, while India’s finishing and execution from penalty corners kept the score level.
India earned multiple penalty corners in the opening half, but South Korea’s goalkeeper and defenders held firm. Navneet Kaur came closest to breaking the deadlock when her effort from a penalty corner was kept out by the goalkeeper.
South Korea also threatened on occasion, but India’s defence dealt comfortably with their attacks to ensure the teams went into half-time at 0-0.
Ishika Chaudhary finally puts India ahead
India continued to press after the interval and eventually found the breakthrough in the 44th minute.
Ishika Chaudhary produced a composed finish to put India 1-0 ahead at the end of the third quarter, giving the Indian side the reward its sustained pressure had been demanding.
The goal changed the complexion of the contest, with South Korea forced to take greater risks in search of an equaliser.
Salima Tete doubles India’s advantage
India then struck again in the 48th minute through captain Salima Tete.
Tete carried the ball down the right flank, entered the shooting circle and cut the ball back from the baseline. Her delivery took a deflection off a Korean defender’s stick and found the back of the net to give India a two-goal cushion.
South Korea attempted to respond and earned a late penalty corner, but India defended the situation successfully. The Indian side also continued to create opportunities in the closing stages without adding to its lead.
The final buzzer confirmed a 2-0 victory for India and a place in the gold-medal match.
India eye second Asian Games women’s hockey gold
The result keeps India’s bid for a second Asian Games women’s hockey gold alive. Their only previous triumph came at the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi, meaning Friday’s final will give the team an opportunity to end a 44-year wait for the continental title.
India had entered the semifinal after a perfect group-stage campaign, winning all five matches while scoring 66 goals and conceding only three.
They will now face defending champions China in the final on October 2. China are ranked fourth in the world, while India are eighth, and the title clash will determine whether India can complete their campaign with gold.