The India women's hockey team began their Super 4 campaign in the Asia Cup on a highly positive note. They defeated Korea by 4-2 in what was a crackker of a contest at the Gongshu Canal Sports Park Stadium. This victory saw India continue their unbeaten streak in the tournament.
India began the match on a high as Vaishnavi Phalke gave them the lead inside the first two minutes. She tapped in the rebound after Udita's shot was saved by the Korean goalkeeper. The side would go on to carry this slender lead into half-time as they denied Korea from opening their account on the scoresheet.
India didn't waste much time in doubling their lead in the third quarter and this time it was Sangita Kumari who opener her account for the match in the 33rd minute. It was quite an easy tap-in for her after Rutuja Pisal had skilfully gotten the ball into the box. However, Korea would get back into the game right in the next minute as Kim Yujin got onto the scoresheet through a penalty corner, cutting short India's lead to one goal.
With there being just five minutes left before the conclusion of the third quarter, Lalremsiami restored India's 2-goal advantage and had them sitting pretty at 3-1. It looked like they would easily clinch victory, however there was another twist in the tale as Yujin scored her second goal of the match in the 53rd minute to give Korea another fighting chance. The goal once again came through a penalty corner and made the final quarter very interesting.
India put the game to bed in final minutes
But, India would eventually put the game to rest as Rutuja would go on to score just a minute before the end of the final quarter and would ensure that the side continued their unbeaten streak in the competition and made a strong start to the Super 4 stage. With the form that they are in currently, India are definitely one of the favourites to win the continental tournament. Their next match in the campaign will be against China and will be played on September 11.