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Concluding the Asian Games hockey competition, India men overcame Pakistan in a shoot-out to claim gold and a place in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, while Korea wrestled down Malaysia for the bronze medal. In the match for fifth place, China snatched victory from Japan’s hands in another shoot-out.

The much anticipated grand final of the Asian games men’s hockey competition was a classic, another instance of the age-old rivalry between subcontinent neighbors India and Pakistan. In a nailbiter of a match, and an encounter absolutely worthy of being the crowning conclusion of the competition, India took sweet revenge for the defeat they suffered against Pakistan in the pool match a few days ago, claiming the Asian Games gold.

At the beginning of the match however, it had been Pakistan that started off on the right foot when Muhammad Rizwan Sr. hit the ball into the net from the top of the circle. India worked hard to catch up but the two teams neutralized each other during much of the remainder of the first half, until a ball across the circle was deflected from close range by Kothajit Khadangbam, leaving Imran Butt in Pakistan’s goal without a chance.

Throughout the second half, the game picked up speed, and play rushed from end to end, but neither team was able to create much danger or force prime scoring opportunities, and the match ended up going into a shoot-out. In the decider, amongst the first four pairings, two Pakistani shooters missed but only one Indian, so that when Dharamvir Singh lined up and converted as the first of the next pairing, India could no longer be caught by Pakistan, and the win was in India’s hands.

India thus claimed their first Asian Games title since Bangkok 1998, and a place in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on top, while Pakistan have to hope for their other avenue of qualification, through next year’s Hockey World League Semi-Finals.

Korea started into the bronze medal clash with more drive and more aggressiveness, but Malaysia countered well, not conceding much room for shots on goal. The pressure started mounting however, and in the second quarter, Korea were able to convert their superiority into two goals. Malaysia got one back with a penalty stroke at the beginning of the second half but Jang Jonghyun soon restored the two goal lead, equally with a penalty stroke. A minute later, Malaysia reduced the gap again, with yet another stroke, but Korea protected their lead successfully for the remainder of the match. The hosts thus took bronze, to the great delight of their fans.<

The day’s program had been started by Japan and China who faced off for fifth place in the competition. Japan looked more assertive in the game’s initial phase, culminating a goal by Kei Kawakami at the start of the second quarter. As time went on, China picked up speed however, and eventually leveled the scores in the third quarter. The Chinese were unable to sustain the momentum and take the lead however, and after neither team was able to score another goal, the match went into a shoot-out. China kept their cool better, and came away with the win, and fifth place in the Asian Games Incheon 2014.

Results

Thursday, 2 October 2014 – Men

5/6th place: Japan – China 1-1 (1-0) 3-4 shoot-out
Bronze Medal: Korea – Malaysia 3-2 (2-0)
Final: India – Pakistan 1-1 (1-1) 4-2 shoot-out

To keep up with the hockey in Incheon, join us at www.asiahockey.org, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/asiahockey and on Twitter at twitter.com/asia_hockey. To find out more about all the action at the Asian Games Incheon 2014, please visit the official event website www.incheon2014ag.org/index.