The Indian men’s hockey team has qualified for the semi-finals of the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. The team defeated Japan 4-1 in the quarter-finals on Tuesday and will face Korea in the first semi-final on Thursday. India is aiming to win its fourth consecutive gold medal at the Asian Games and secure a direct berth for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
India’s Dominant Performance Against Japan
India started the match on a high note, scoring two goals in the first quarter. Harmanpreet Singh converted a penalty corner in the 8th minute and Dilpreet Singh doubled the lead in the 14th minute with a field goal. Japan tried to fight back in the second quarter, but India’s defence was solid and denied them any clear chances. India maintained their 2-0 lead at half-time.
In the third quarter, India increased their intensity and scored two more goals. Gurjant Singh made it 3-0 in the 33rd minute with a reverse stick shot and Mandeep Singh added another in the 38th minute with a deflection. Japan managed to pull one back in the 42nd minute through Kenta Tanaka, who scored from a penalty corner. However, India did not let Japan score any more goals and controlled the game till the end. India won the match 4-1 and advanced to the semi-finals.
Korea’s Thrilling Victory Over Malaysia
Korea had a tough match against Malaysia in the quarter-finals, as both teams fought hard for a place in the semi-finals. Korea took the lead in the 9th minute through Jang Jonghyun, who scored from a penalty corner. Malaysia equalized in the 17th minute through Shahril Saabah, who also scored from a penalty corner. The first half ended 1-1.
In the second half, Korea regained their lead in the 32nd minute through Lee Namyong, who scored from a penalty stroke. Malaysia responded quickly and leveled the score in the 35th minute through Fitri Saari, who scored from a field goal. The third quarter ended 2-2.
In the fourth quarter, both teams tried to find the winner, but neither could break the deadlock. The match went into a penalty shootout, where Korea emerged victorious by 4-3. Korea booked their spot in the semi-finals and will face India on Thursday.
India vs Korea: A History of Rivalry
India and Korea have a long history of rivalry in Asian hockey, as both teams have faced each other many times in crucial matches. India has won three gold medals at the Asian Games (1966, 1998, and 2018), while Korea has won four (1986, 1994, 2002, and 2014). Both teams have also qualified for the Olympics several times through the Asian Games.
The last time India and Korea met at the Asian Games was in 2018, where India beat Korea 5-3 in the pool stage. However, Korea bounced back and defeated India 4-3 in a shootout in the final of the Asian Champions Trophy later that year. The two teams also played each other in the FIH Series Finals in 2019, where India won 2-1.
The upcoming semi-final between India and Korea will be a high-stakes match, as both teams will be eyeing a spot in the final and a ticket to Paris. India will be confident of their form and firepower, while Korea will be motivated by their resilience and experience. The match will be a thrilling contest between two of Asia’s best hockey teams.
