The Indian women’s hockey struck three late goals to defeat defending champions South Korea 4-1 and ensure a semi-final berth at the 28th Asian Games in Jakarta on Saturday. It was India’s third successive victory and helped them top Pool B.
But the game seemed destined to be heading for a penalty shootout after both the sides were locked at 1-1 with just six more minutes to play. But drag-flicker Gurjit Singh scored twice in space of two minutes, while Vandana Katariya scored the other to ensure India a 4-1 victory and top the Group.
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They face the Netherlands in their final group game on August 27 and have so far collected nine points from as many matches ahead of South Korea (6) and Netherlands (3).
Earlier, Navneet Kaur had given the World No.9 the lead with a filed strike in the 16th minute before Yurin Lee levelled the scores for the Koreans with a 20th-minute penalty stroke.
The game remained with the same scoreline as both the failed to breach the defence of their opposition. But with time running out in the final quarter, Gurjit struck twice from two back-to-back penalty corners for India in the 54th and 55th minute before Vandana scored a field goal to snatch the victory.
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With the victory, India all bur sealed its place in the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, the Indian men’s hockey team will take on South Korea in their Pool A match on Sunday.