The Indian men’s hockey team showcased a dominant performance in their semi-final match against Korea at the Gongshu Canal Sports Park Stadium in Hangzhou, the People’s Republic of China. Hardik Singh opened the scoring in the 5th minute, followed by goals from Mandeep Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Amit Rohidas, and Abhishek. Jung Manjae scored a hat-trick for Korea, but it wasn’t enough to overcome India’s lead.

With this victory, the Indian men’s hockey team secured a place in the final of the Asian Games 2023. They will now await the winner of the other semi-final match between China and Japan. The final is scheduled to take place on Friday.

A win in the final not only guarantees India its fourth men’s hockey gold medal at the Asian Games but also earns them an early berth in the Paris 2024 Olympics. The winners of the Asian Games 2023 men’s and women’s hockey tournaments will secure a quota for next year’s Summer Games.

Earlier in the tournament, India finished at the top of Pool A after winning all their group matches. Korea, on the other hand, secured a spot in the semi-finals as the runner-up of Pool B.

The Indian team, currently ranked third in the FIH rankings, started the match strongly and took an early lead through Hardik Singh’s goal. Mandeep Singh soon doubled the advantage with his 12th goal of the tournament, followed by a goal from Lalit Kumar Upadhyay. Korea fought back in the second quarter with two goals from Jung Manjae, but India maintained their lead with a thunderous drag flick from Amit Rohidas.

In the second half, India continued to dominate the game, with Harmanpreet Singh orchestrating the play from deep. Jung Manjae completed his hat-trick for Korea, but Abhishek’s powerful reverse hit sealed the victory for India.

The Indian men’s hockey team will now aim to clinch the gold medal in the Asian Games 2023 final and secure their place in the Paris 2024 Olympics.