After successive wins, hockey girls go down to South Korea

SEOUL, March 8

The Indian women’s hockey team suffered its first defeat on their tour of South Korea after it lost 1-2 against the hosts in a hard-fought third game of the five-match series. 

Two goals in the first quarter from South Korea’s Seul Ki Cheon (12th min) and Yurim Lee (14th min) sealed the win for the hosts at the Jinchun National Athletic Centre. India, however, did not give up without a fight and pulled one back through Lalremsiami in the 16th minute. 

Despite the loss, India continue to lead the series 2-1 following victories in the first two games. The two teams would play the fourth match of the series tomorrow.

India need big win over Ireland in Azlan hockey

Ipoh (Malaysia): India will be eyeing a big win over Ireland and favourable results in the other matches to keep alive their slim hopes of qualifying for the Azlan Shah Cup final tomorrow. 

World champions Australia are already through to the final with four wins from as many games but barring Ireland, all other four teams have a chance to make it to the summit clash. 

For India to qualify for the final, they will have to beat Ireland by a big margin and hope Australia beat Argentina, and the final round robin match between Malaysia and England ends in a draw.

The Indians have opted to field a young and inexperienced side under veteran Sardar Singh. Chief coach Sjoerd Marijne wanted to test all his options before deciding on his squads for this year’s big tournaments.

England and Malaysia will lock horns in the final round robin-match tomorrow. — PTI