Indian women miss out on World Cup berth

The Indian women’s hopes of earning a berth in next year’s World Cup came down crashing after they lost 1-2 to defending champions Korea in the semi-final of the 8th women’s Asia Cup hockey tournament here on Thursday. The Koreans scored two early goals through Cheon Seul Ki (2nd minute) and Cheon Eun Bi Min (9th) to stun the Indians. India tried hard to make a comeback in the second half and pulled through Ritu Rani’s goal in the 41st minute, but the Koreans did just enough to hold on to their slender lead. The Indians, who needed to win the Asia Cup to qualify for next year’s World Cup to be held at The Hague, Netherlands, will now play China in the bronze medal play-off match on Friday. Korea will play Japan, who defeated China 4-1 in the other semifinal, in the summit clash. Starting as favourites, the Koreans went on the offensive from the onset and pumped in two goals through penalty corners in the first 10 minutes. It took just two minutes for Korea to surge ahead when Cheon Seul Ki converted their first penalty corner. Seven minutes later Korea doubled their lead through Cheon Eun Bi who made no mistake from another penalty corner. Junior men romp past Korea In Johor Bahru, India thrashed Korea 6-1 in their penultimate round-robin match to virtually seal their place in the final of the Sultan of Johor Cup Under-21 men’s hockey tournament. The Indian colts scored three goal each in either half at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium to continue their unbeaten run in the six-nation tournament. For India, Amit Rohidas (7th minute), Satbir Singh (9th), Talwinder Singh (31st) netted three goals in the first half, while Amon Mirash Tikey (57th), Ramandeep Singh (62nd) and vice-captain Affan Yousef (65th) score three more on the other side of the break. Korea’s lone goal came from the stick of You Seung Ju in the 34th minute. With 12 points in their kitty, India are at the top of the league standings and will play hosts and second-placed Malaysia in their last round-robin match on Saturday.