India made a spirited fight back in the second half but failed to earn a direct berth for next year’s hockey World Cup, losing the high-scoring Asia Cup summit clash 3-4 to defending champions South Korea, here on Sunday.
The Indians, who are virtually assured of a place in the game’s showpiece event at The Hague, Netherlands, needed to win the eight-nation tournament to secure a direct entry.
Korea’s title win means Malaysia are certain to return to the World Cup after a gap of 12 years.
India will now have to wait till the conclusion of the Oceania Cup in November, which either Australia and New Zealand are expected to win, for the official confirmation of their participation from the world body.
Both Australia and New Zealand have already made it to the World Cup through the FIH World League.
The Koreans scored through Jang Jong Hyun (28th minute), You Hyo Sik (29th), Nam Hyun Woo (57th) and Kang Moon Kweon (68th). For India, Rupinderpal Singh (48th), Nikkin Thimmaiah (57th) and Mandeep Singh (64th) were the goal-getters.
P.R. Sreejesh was adjudged the best goalkeeper, while defender V.R. Raghunath walked away with the player of the tournament trophy. Korea’s Jang Jong-hyun emerged the top scorer with eight goals.
It was a case of so near yet so far for the Indians who staged a remarkable comeback in the second half, after going into the breather trailing by two goals. But they eventually fell short as Korea eked out a hard-fought win.
Earlier, Pakistan beat Malaysia 3-1 in the bronze medal playoff.
The Men in Blue dominated the early share of exchanges, making some good moves from the right flank but the forwards fizzled once inside the striking circle. .
The Indian defence, on the other hand, was tested to the core by the nimble-footed Koreans as Sreejesh made some valiant saves.