India one win away from ending 44-year wait for Asian Games hockey gold

The Indian women's hockey team are one win away from 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 helped India book their 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 once again stood between India and a place in the title clash, but this time it was India who walked away with the victory.

India at Asian Games on September 30: Updates | Medal Table

INDIA KEEP KOREA BUSY

India dominated possession and territory from the opening whistle, repeatedly forcing South Korea into a defensive shell. The Indians created several openings and earned penalty corners, but the Korean defence remained stubborn.

India's first penalty corner came as early as the second minute, but Deepika's flick was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Seoyeon Lee. Another opportunity followed soon after, though India could not make the injection count.

Lee was called into action again in the 13th minute when she kept out a deflection from Rutuja Dadaso Pisal. India continued to pile on the pressure, earning three more penalty corners early in the second quarter, but Korea survived each one.

By half-time, India had earned eight penalty corners, yet the score remained 0-0. The pressure was relentless, but South Korea's defence had done enough to keep the game level.

India continued in the same vein after the break, refusing to allow Korea any sustained spell of possession. The breakthrough, however, required a moment of invention.

ISHIKA, SALIMA SEAL IT

India finally broke the deadlock in the 44th minute with a clever penalty-corner variation.

Ishika, who had been the injector, was involved in the move as Deepika's delivery was played through the variation. Ishika finished with a deflection that caught the Korean defence by surprise and finally gave India the goal their pressure deserved.

The goal changed the complexion of the contest. Korea now had to come forward, leaving more space for India to exploit.

Four minutes later, India doubled their advantage.

Captain Salima Tete collected a loose ball and embarked on a brilliant run into the circle. She drove forward before sending the ball towards the middle, where it took a deflection off a Korean defender and rolled into the net. The goal was awarded to Salima, giving India a 2-0 lead.

South Korea tried to fight their way back into the contest late on and earned four consecutive penalty corners. But India's defence stood firm when it mattered most, protecting the lead and securing the clean sheet.

India themselves had opportunities to add to their advantage, including two late penalty corners, but Korean goalkeeper Lee continued to deny Deepika.

CHINA STAND IN WAY

The victory sends India into the Asian Games final, where defending champions China await.

China secured their place in the gold-medal match after beating Japan in a shoot-out following a goalless semifinal.

South Korea will face Japan in the bronze-medal match.

For India, Friday's final represents a chance to end one of the longest waits in their Asian Games history. Their last women's hockey gold came 44 years ago, against South Korea in New Delhi.

Now, India are just one victory away from bringing the Asian Games title back home.