Hangzhou, China, October 4, 2023: India moved a step closer to winning a qualifying berth for the men’s hockey competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics when Harmanpreet Singh’s undefeated side reached the final at the Hangzhou Asian Games.
A strong defence laid the foundation for India as they beat four-time Asian Games champions Korea 5-3 in a gruelling semi-final at the Gongshu Canal Sports Park Stadium in Hangzhou on Wednesday.
India will meet defending gold medallists Japan in the final on Friday. Japan defeated China 3-2 in the other semi-final.
The winner will not only be rewarded with the gold medal, but also a coveted berth in the Paris Olympic Games.
Five different players scored for India against Korea. Hardik Singh opened the scoring in the fifth minute, followed by Mandeep Singh (11th), Lalit Kuma Upadhyay (15th), Amit Rohidas (24th) and Abhishek (54th).
Korea came back strongly as Jung Man-jae netted a hat-trick in the 17th, 20th and 42nd minutes, with two of his goals coming off penalty corners. India leading 4-3 had to defend strongly in the final quarter before Abhishek’s goal gave them a cushion.
Victory on Friday will earn India its fourth hockey men’s gold at the Asian Games – and a ticket to Paris.
In the women’s competition, China will take on India in the semi-finals on Friday. The other semi-final will pit defending champions Japan against Korea. The winners of the women’s competition will also qualify for Paris.
