Indian hockey squad took out itself from the disappointment of losing a gold medal in the Asian Games men’s hockey event and acquired a bronze medal after beating defending champions South Korea in the third-place play-off match at Aoti Hockey Centre, Guangzhou
on 25 November.
India did not repeat the history of Doha games and after an aggressive battle defeated four-time gold medallist South Korea one-nil.
Indian hockey team failed to achieve any medal in 2006 Asiad, held in Doha. They had won two gold medals, nine silvers and two bronze in Asian Games since 1958.
On the other side, former champion South Korea had acquired record four gold medals, one silver and one bronze in the Asian Games. South Korea won the last Asian Games hockey gala after beating China in 2006.
Indian side, which was stung by the shocking defeat against Malaysia started the game in a dominating style and took the ball under control for a majority of the time.
South Korea displayed speedy game in the first half; however Indians in second half geared up their power and started forceful attacks against South Korea.
Indian striker, Tushar Khandker scored the first and winning goal in the 39th minute of the match and put opponent South Korea under pressure.
Defending champion South Korea earned two short corners in the first half and one in the second frame of the game but to no avail. Indian goalkeeper, Bharat Chetri delivered an outstanding performance and blocked numerous shots of Korean’s players.
India also earned two penalty corners in the match but could not bear fruit. At one occasion, South Korean skipper, Lee Nam Young successfully blocked the penalty shot of Sandeep Singh and remained in the game.
India’s triumph also ended the honeymoon of South Korea, who won last two gold medals of Asiad in 2002 and 2006. Koreans, for the first time, failed to win any medal since 1986 Seoul Games.
Indian custodian, Bharat Chetri was awarded as player of the match, who blocked many shots of Koreans attackers.
The triumph also meant that Indian hockey squad will not leave for home with empty hands as Indian women’s hockey squad lost the bronze medal play-off game against Japan. India’s Spanish coach, Jose Brasa’s efforts were not wasted as his boys achieved at
least a medal in the event. Brasa was coaching the Indian side in last tournament as his contract is going to complete later this month.
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