India face mighty South Korea in Women's Hockey Asia Cup semi-final

This will be toughest challenge for the Women in Blue in the tournament so far.

The Indian women’s hockey team advanced to the Women's Hockey Asia Cup 2022 semi-finals. They thus won a berth in the 2022 FIH Women's Hockey World Cup. with a convincing 9-1 victory against Singapore in their last Pool A encounter.

The Indian women's hockey team will try to maintain their momentum, as they prepare to face South Korea in their next Women's Asia Cup 2022 match. South Korea are a strong opponent and the Indian team must be ready for the threat they will pose in the semi-finals. There will be a lot to look forward to in the upcoming battle.

Team India

India started the Women's Asia Cup 2022 with a thumping 9-0 win against Malaysia. However, it was followed by a shock 0-2 loss to Japan. The Women in Blue bounced back with a bang, with a 9-1 win against Singapore in the final Pool A game. The Indian team have been the best attacking side in the tournament, scoring 18 goals, more than any other team.

However, defensively India have struggled. Even during their mammoth wins against Malaysia and Singapore, they let their opposition make too many circle penetrations. Singapore even managed to find a goal. It was against the quality of Japan that their defence was really tested and they eventually lost the game. Infact, they couldn't even find the back of the net against Japan, as they succumbed to the pressure of conceding two quick goals. Against, a quality team in South Korea, India need to buckle up and show their true form.

Team South Korea

South Korea topped Pool B of with nine points. They maintained their pool-match dominance by defeating Indonesia, China and most recently Thailand.

The Koreans have been been the best side in the competition so far. They have scored 17 goals in three matches, the second-most in the tournament. Also, they have conceded just one goal in the three games so far, the best defensive record for any side. With India struggling against teams that defend well, South Korea will be looking to cash in. Korea will also be seeking revenge against India, since the Women in Blue defeated them in the final to clinch the title in 2017.

Key Players

Gurjit Kaur (India)

Gurjit Kaur has been in fantastic shape, as seen by her performances at the Women's Hockey Asia Cup 2022. She scored a hat-trick in the all-important game against Singapore. She is also the tournament's joint-top scorer, with five goals. Gurjit is a defender and the team's designated drag-flicker. 

With a great proficiency in drag-flicking, she is India's biggest threat from penalty corners. South Korea have a tendency to concede the odd penalty corner and that is where Gurjit Kaur comes into the mix.

Cheon Eun-bi (South Korea)

Cheon Eun-bi is one of South Korea’s most experienced players. She will be the most dangerous player to watch. So far, she has provided five goals in the tournament. She started the first game against Indonesia with a goal. She then scored two goals each against China and Thailand in the next two games. The veteran is so far the joint-top scorer in the tournament with five goals, along with Gurjit.

The South Korean captain is a key part of the team's frontline. The defenders will have to keep an eye on her, as she has the ability to find gaps and even score from distance.

Did You Know?

• Gurjit Kaur was the most successful goalscorer during India's Asia Cup title triumph in 2017, with eight goals.
• India have lost three Women's Hockey Asia Cup games versus South Korea: in 1999, 2007 and 2013.
• Cheon Eun-bi earned a gold medal with the South Korean squad at the 2014 Asian Games.

Squad

India

Savita Punia (GK), Rajani Etimarpu (GK), Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Nisha, Sushila Chanu, Monika, Neha, Salima Tete, Jyoti, Navjot Kaur, Navneet Kaur, Lalremsiami, Vandana Katariya, Mariana Kujur, Sharmila Devi.

South Korea

Baek Ee-seul, Cho Hye-jin, Kang Ji-na, Kim Ji-yun, Kim Seo-na, Lee Ju-yeon, Lee Seung-ju, Seo Jung-eun, Shin Hye-jeong, Cheon Eun-bi (C), Park Miyeon, Kim Hyunji, Pak Hojeong, Hwang Hyeona (GK), Lee Jinmin (GK), Choi Su Ji, Lee Yuri, Kim Jeongihn.

Broadcast

The Women's Hockey Asia Cup 2022 will be live-streamed on the watch.hockey website and Watch Hockey app.

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