Asian Champions Trophy Hockey: South Korea challenge awaits Men in Blue

India are hopeful of producing the magic to surmount the challenge from a resurgent South Korea in the semi-finals of the fourth Asian Champions Trophy despite an ankle injury to ace custodian Sreejesh P.R.

The other worry for India is deep defender Surender Kumar’s suspension.

Seeking to reclaim the title they won in the inaugural edition in 2011, India were held to a 1-1 draw by the young Korean side, who have improved with every outing.

India topped the round-robin league standings, but did not know their semi-final opponents until the end of last league encounter between the Koreans and hosts Malaysia.

The Koreans led by a goal until four minutes from the hooter before a penalty corner produced the Malaysian equaliser and got the home side second place in the league standings.

“South Korea are a good side and have improved throughout this tournament. We saw yesterday (Thursday) what they can do,” said India coach Roelant Oltmans.

“The Koreans’ strength lies in their defence. It will all depend on how we can break past their defence,” said Oltmans, hoping his own defence would overcome the problems confronting the team.

“I think Sreejesh will be able to play. He’s recovering from the ankle injury, but even if he does not play in the semi-finals, Akash Chikte is a very good reserve goalkeeper,” the coach said.

The coach said India had no choice in semi-final opponents.

“They are all strong teams. It does not matter who we play in the semi-finals. When we left India for Kuantan, we saw these four teams making the semi-finals,” said Oltmans.

“Five minutes before the end of the last league match on Thursday, my mind was preparing for a semi-final against Pakistan,” said the coach, referring to the scenario of an India-Pakistan semi-final had the Koreans won the game against Malaysia.