The Indian men's hockey team will face their toughest challenge yet at the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022, when the side led by captain Harmanpreet Singh square off against four-time champions South Korea in the first semi-final on Wednesday. India, once again, ended the pool stage as table-toppers after picking a 12-0 win over Bangladesh on Monday. (Medal Tally | Schedule | Full Coverage | Sports News)
With five wins in all their five Pool A matches, India earned 15 points, and are yet to be beaten in the competition. India were in a similar position heading into the semi-finals at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, but went down 2-2 (6-7) to Malaysia, missing out on the opportunity to win the Gold medal.
On the other hand, while Korea defeated Indonesia 10-0 and Thailand 10-0 as well, the World No. 12 suffered a shocking 2-3 defeat at the hands of World No. 22 China in the pool stage. Korea bounced back with a 4-3 win over Malaysia and a 16-2 win over Oman to make it to the semi-finals.
India's last few meetings against Korea are a testament to how close the competition has been between the two nations. At the Asian Champions Trophy 2023 in August this year, India had to fight hard to pick up a close 3-2 win. Last year, at the Asia Cup 2022, India drew 4-4 against Korea, and at the Asian Champions Trophy 2021, the two sides drew 2-2 as well.
Head-to-Head Record
Since 2013, the two teams have squared off 17 times, in which India have won eight, while six have ended in a draw. Korea have won three games.
Here's all the key details for the India Vs South Korea, Asian Games 2023 men's hockey first semi-final scheduled for Wednesday, October 4, 2023:
When will the India vs South Korea, Asian Games 2023 men's hockey, 1st semi-final match be played?
The India vs South Korea, Asian Games 2023 men's hockey 1st semi-final match will be played at 1:30 PM IST on October 4.
Where will the India vs South Korea, Asian Games 2023 men's hockey, 1st semi-final match will be held?
The the India vs South Korea, Asian Games 2023 men's hockey, 1st semi-final match will be held at the Gongshu Canal Sports Park Stadium.
Where can we watch India vs South Korea, Asian Games 2023, men's hockey 1st semi-final match on TV?
The India vs South Korea, Asian Games 2023 men's hockey 1st semi-final will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network.
Where can we livestream India vs South Korea, Asian Games 2023 men's hockey 1st semi-final match?
The India vs South Korea, Asian Games 2023 men's hockey 1st semi-final will be live streamed on the SonyLiv app and website.
