India are one win away from ending their 44-year wait for an Asian Games hockey gold

The Indian women’s hockey team is one win away from ending their 44-year wait for Asian Games gold after beating South Korea 2-0 in the semi-finals on Wednesday. Second-half goals from Ishika Chaudhary and captain Salima Tete helped India book a place in the gold medal match against defending champions China on Friday.

India’s last Asian Games hockey gold came in 1982 in New Delhi when they defeated South Korea in the final. More than four decades later, South Korea once again stood between India and a place in the title race, but this time it was India who claimed victory.

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INDIA KEEP KOREA BUSY

India dominated possession and territory from the opening whistle and repeatedly forced South Korea into a defensive shell. The Indians created several openings and earned penalty corners, but the Korean defense remained stubborn.

India’s first penalty corner came in the second minute, but Deepik’s goal was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Seoyeon Lee. Another opportunity followed soon after, although India could not count on an injection.

Lee was called into action again in the 13th minute when she kept a rebound from Rutuja Dadaso Pisal. India kept up the pressure and earned three more penalty corners early in the second quarter, but Korea survived each of them.

By half-time, India had earned eight penalty corners but the score remained 0-0. The pressure was relentless, but South Korea’s defense did enough to keep the game level.

India continued in the same vein after the break, refusing to allow Korea any sustained spell. The breakthrough, however, required a moment of invention.

ISHIKA, SALIMA SEALED

India finally broke the deadlock in the 44th minute with a clever variation of a penalty corner.

Ishika, who was the injector, was involved in the movement as Deepika’s delivery was played through the variation. Ishika finished with a rebound that caught the Korean defense off guard and eventually gave India a deserved goal.

The goal changed the face of the competition. Korea now had to step out and leave more room for India to exploit.

Four minutes later, India doubled their lead.

Captain Salima Tete collected the loose ball and launched a brilliant run into the circle. She drove forward before sending the ball into the center where it bounced off the Korean defender and rolled into the net. The goal was awarded to Salima, giving India a 2-0 lead.

South Korea tried to fight their way back into the match late on, earning four consecutive penalty corners. But India’s defense stood firm when it mattered most, protecting the lead and securing a clean sheet.

India themselves had opportunities to add to their advantage, including two late penalty corners, but Korean goalkeeper Lee continued to deny Deepika.

CHINA IS IN THE WAY

The win sends India into the finals of the Asian Games, where they face defending champions China.

China secured their place in the gold medal match after defeating Japan in a shootout after a goalless semi-final.

South Korea will face Japan in the bronze medal match.

For India, Friday’s final is a chance to end one of the longest waits in Asian Games history. Their last women’s hockey gold came 44 years ago against South Korea in New Delhi.

Now, India is just one win away from bringing the Asian Games title back home.

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