Hangzhou, Sep 10 (NationPress) The Indian women’s hockey squad triumphed over South Korea with a score of 4-2 in their inaugural Super 4s match at the Gongshu Canal Sports Park Stadium on Wednesday, keeping their unbeaten streak alive in the ongoing Women’s Asia Cup.

Vaishnavi Phalke, Sangita Kumari, Lalremsiami, and Rutuja Pisal found the net for India, while Kim Yujin netted both goals for Korea through penalty corners.

India kicked off the match with a bang, earning a penalty corner within the first two minutes. From the set-piece, injector Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke (2’) capitalized on a rebound after Udita’s powerful strike was parried by Korean goalkeeper Seoyeon Lee, skillfully slotting the ball into the net and giving India an early lead.

After securing the lead, India focused on maintaining possession and executing rapid passes, keeping Korea under pressure. This strategy proved effective as India continued to press, generating several more penalty corners towards the end of the first quarter but were unable to convert, heading into halftime with a narrow 1-0 advantage.

The second quarter showcased India’s continued dominance, controlling the majority of possession and relentlessly attacking the Korean circle. Despite testing the Korean goalkeeper with a few sharp attempts, they were unable to add to their tally.

Korea, seeking to equalize, earned a penalty corner late in the quarter with under four minutes remaining. However, Indian goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam came up big with a stunning save, preserving India’s slim lead as the first half closed at 1-0.

In the third quarter, Korea started aggressively, but India countered effectively, scoring their second goal as Rutuja Dadaso Pisal maneuvered past three defenders within the circle and assisted Sangita Kumari (33’), who easily tapped it in from close range. Korea quickly responded through Yujin Kim (33’), who converted a penalty corner.

Despite the setback, India maintained their attacking strategy, persistently challenging Korea’s defense. Their efforts bore fruit in the 40th minute when Lalremsiami executed a precise finish, leaving the opposition stunned with her well-placed shot.

With a two-goal lead, India tightened their control of the match, showcasing composure in all areas. The defense was particularly resilient, effectively neutralizing any threats from Korea as the third quarter ended with India in a commanding position at 3-1.

The final quarter saw Korea resort to long aerial passes in a bid to mount a comeback. Their persistence paid off when Yujin Kim (53’) netted her second goal, again converting from a penalty corner and narrowing the gap. This goal momentarily put India under pressure, but they quickly countered to regain control. In the closing moments, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (59’) confirmed the victory.

As in their opener, Korea struggled to clear after Udita’s dragflick was blocked by goalkeeper Seoyeon Lee, and Rutuja reacted swiftly, diving to her right to convert the rebound. Her goal ensured India sealed a decisive 4-2 win in their first Super4s Pool match.

India will next face China on Thursday, marking what is anticipated to be their toughest challenge in the tournament.

To qualify for next year’s FIH Hockey World Cup, hosted in Belgium and the Netherlands, India must win the Women’s Asia Cup.