India eyes hockey gold after 12 years

Incheon: Akashdeep Singh on Tuesday scored a fabulous field goal against hosts South Korea to guide Indian men's hockey team into the finals of the Asian Games after a gap of 12 years, setting up a summit showdown with arch-rivals Pakistan.

After squandering at least three gilt-edged chances to take the lead in the first two quarters, Akashdeep (44th minute) received the ball inside the striking circle and without turning he flicked it through his legs in spectacular style into the goal to register a 1-0 win over former champions South Korea at the Seonhak Hockey Stadium here.

The Indian men's hockey team, which last made it to the final of the Asiad way back in 2002 Busan Games, will now face Pakistan in the final on Thursday, with a direct ticket for the 2016 Rio Olympics up for grabs.

In another semifinal, Pakistan eked out a hard-fought 6-5 win over 2010 Guangzhou Games silver medallist Malaysia in the second semifinal via shoot-off after both the teams failed to break the deadlock in the regulation 60 minutes.

The title clash against Pakistan will also provide India an opportunity to avenge upon their 1-2 defeat against the same opponents in the pool stages of the ongoing Games.

Earlier, a 1-0 win was India's eighth against Korea in the Asian Games in 14 matches and was the 29th overall in 72 encounters in all competitions.