India defeated South Korea 2-0 in the Asian Games hockey semifinal to set up a gold medal clash and LA Olympics qualifier against China.
The Indian women's hockey team dominated proceedings and overcame a stubborn South Korean defence to secure a 2-0 victory in the Asian Games semifinals at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium on Wednesday.
India started aggressively and earned the first of its 10 penalty corners in the fourth minute, though Deepika's shot was saved. For much of the match, most of the action was confined to the Korean half as India tried to find a breakthrough against a passive opponent.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 44th minute when Ishika turned in a pass off India's eighth penalty corner with a reverse shot. Four minutes later, Salima Tete doubled the lead in the 48th minute when her cross from the right deflected off a defender's stick and trickled over the goal line.
South Korea mounted a late attack, earning three back-to-back penalty corners, but could not beat Indian goalkeeper Savita Punia.
In the other semifinal, defending champion China defeated Japan 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw in regulation time. Having taken bronze last time after a semifinal loss to China, India will now face China in Friday's final, seeking revenge and a ticket to the LA Olympics.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Hockey. Photo courtesy The Hindu Hockey.