India eves lose in Asian Games hockey semis, to play Japan in bronze play-off

India will now play in the bronze medal play-off match against Japan, whom China beat 1-0 in other semis.

India levelled the proceedings courtesy wonderful strike from Namita Toppo from the the top of the ‘D’. (Source: AP)

Indian women’s hockey team put up a determined effort before going down to a superior South Korean outfit by 1-3 margin in the semi-final of the 17th Asian Games, in Incheon on Monday.

India will now play in the bronze medal play-off match against Japan, whom China beat 1-0 in the other semi-final.

Korea opened the account as early as third minute when Kim Darae’s reflex snap shot beat Indian goalie Savita all ends up it make it 1-0.

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In the 11th minute, India levelled the proceedings courtesy wonderful strike from Namita Toppo from the the top of the ‘D’. Namita entered the box and took a rasping shot at the corner of the net to make it 1-1.

After finishing on even keel in the first quarter, Indian girls fought hard in the second quarter before conceding the lead in the 28th minute with a strike from Han Hyelyoung.

Korea finally took an unassailable lead in the 42nd minute when Park Mihyun took advantage of poor defending after being fed right in-front of the Indian custodian.

Park trapped the ball and then had enough time to turn and slot it after it rebounded off Savita.

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In the final quarter, India did get a penalty corner but drag-flick specialist Jaspreet Kaur failed to convert it.

Indian women will thus have revenge on their mind when they take on Japan in the bronze medal play-off. Japan won that contest 1-0 in Guangzhou edition four years back.