Nagoya, Oct 1:
The Indian women’s hockey team stormed into the Asian Games final with a 2-0 victory over South Korea in the semifinal on Wednesday, keeping alive its hopes of winning the gold medal for the first time since 1982.
The match remained goalless through the first two quarters as both teams produced a tight contest. India eventually broke the deadlock in the third quarter through Ishika Chaudhary, who converted a penalty corner to put the team ahead.
India maintained its pressure and doubled the lead in the final quarter, with captain Salima Tete finding the net as the Indian side strengthened its grip on the match.
The Indian defence then held firm to deny South Korea a comeback and completed a 2-0 victory. Hockey India confirmed the result, with the win taking India into the gold-medal match.
India will face China in the final on October 2. China booked its place in the title clash after defeating Japan in a penalty shootout following a goalless semifinal. India had remained unbeaten through the pool stage, defeating Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan and Singapore before overcoming South Korea in the semifinal.