Indian hockey team failed to qualify for the Asia Cup 2022 finals after Birendra Lakra-led side played out a high-intensity 4-4 draw against South Korea in a Super 4 game on Tuesday.
The four-time champions South Korea qualified for the final on goal difference as all the top three teams had the same 5 points after three games in Super 4s.
India dominated for 10 minutes of the first quarter and earned two penalty corners. Nilam Sanjeep's fiery drag-flick gave India a 1-0 lead in the 9th minute. But the South Koreans upped their ante after that and scored the equaliser in the 13th minute.
At the start of the second quarter, Pawan Rajbhar made a horrid defensive work in his own circle and gave the Koreans an opportunity to take the lead. Ji Woo Cheon scored in the 18th minute and put South Korea 2-1 ahead.
However, India levelled the score three minutes later and they did not stop there as Sheshe Gowda scored a field goal a minute later, putting India in front.
Trailing behind, South Korea continued their hard press and scored the equalizer in the 28th minute.
India once again took a lead through a field goal in the 37th minute while South Korea levelled the score 4-4 in the 43rd minute. The high-scoring game did not see more goals in the final quarter as South Korea displayed superb defensive work.
The two-time champions India will now play against Japan in a Bronze medal match on Wednesday. Malaysia and South Korea will lock horns in the summit clash after the Bronze medal match. The Bronze medal match between India and Japan will kick-start at 2:30 pm IST while the final match between Korea and Malaysia will start at 5 PM IST.