India beat South Korea 2-0 in Asian Games semi, one win from ending 44-year gold drought

The Indian women's hockey team moved within one victory of ending a 44-year wait for Asian Games gold after beating South Korea 2-0 in the semifinal on Wednesday. Goals from Ishika Chaudhary and captain Salima Tete in the second half secured India a place in Friday's gold-medal match against defending champions China.

India's last women's hockey gold at the Asian Games came in 1982 in New Delhi, when they defeated South Korea in the final. More than four decades later, South Korea again stood between India and a place in the title match, but this time India progressed to the final.

India dominated possession and territory from the start, repeatedly forcing South Korea into a defensive shell and creating several openings. The visitors earned an early penalty corner in the second minute when Deepika's flick was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Seoyeon Lee, and Lee was called into action again in the 13th minute to keep out a deflection from Rutuja Dadaso Pisal. India continued to win set pieces—three more early in the second quarter—and by half-time had amassed eight penalty corners, but the score remained 0-0.

After the break India maintained pressure but required a variation to break the deadlock; in the 44th minute a clever penalty-corner routine produced the opener. Ishika, who had been the injector, was involved in the move as Deepika's delivery was played through the variation, and Ishika finished with a deflection that beat the Korean defence.

Four minutes later India doubled their lead when captain Salima Tete collected a loose ball, ran into the circle and sent the ball towards the middle; it took a deflection off a Korean defender and was awarded to Salima, making it 2-0. South Korea responded late with four consecutive penalty corners, but India held firm and preserved a clean sheet.

India had further chances, including two late penalty corners, but Seoyeon Lee denied Deepika on those occasions. China reached the gold-medal match after beating Japan in a shoot-out following a goalless semifinal, and South Korea will face Japan in the bronze-medal match.

India will meet defending champions China in Friday's gold-medal match, giving them one more match to end a 44-year wait for Asian Games women's hockey gold.