Indian men’s hockey team faces its first tough challenge in the semi-finals in the form of Korea.

The Indian men’s hockey team, which registered a one-sided victory in easy matches in the pool stage, will face its first tough challenge in the form of a dangerous team like South Korea in the semi-finals of the Asian Games on Wednesday. The world number three Indian team, a strong contender for the title, has scored 58 goals in five matches in the pool stage and lost only five goals.

Harmanpreet Singh’s team, which came with the intention of securing the quota for Paris Olympics, defeated Uzbekistan by 16. From 0, Singapore got 16. 1, Pakistan 10. 2, defending champion Japan 4. 2 and Bangladesh 12. Defeated by 0. Last time in the 2018 Asian Games, India’s position was similar but in the semi-finals, Malaysia defeated it by 7 goals in the shootout. Was defeated by 6.

India last won Asian Games gold in 2014 in Incheon while Korea last won the title in 2006 in Doha. Indian captain Harmanpreet said, ‘We have made a great start which has increased our confidence a lot. We will enter the semi-finals with a positive mindset.” He said, ”But we have to be careful not to take the opponent team lightly and enter with full preparation.”

Harmanpreet himself, who has scored 12 goals so far, is in great form. Initially, India faced problems in penalty corners but now Harmanpreet, Varun Kumar and Amit Rohidas have found form. Mandeep Singh, Lalit Upadhyay, Gurjant Singh and Abhishek have also scored field goals for India. Abhishek has impressed in all the matches. Olympic medal-winning captain Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh and Neelakanta Sharma have also been impressive.

However, coach Craig Fulton will be worried that his defense has not been ‘toughly tested’ in the matches so far. Except the match against Japan, the Indian defense has not faced any challenge. Indian goalkeepers PR Sreejesh and Krishan Bahadur Pathak remained spectators in the pool stage. Harmanpreet said, “We know what Korea’s strength is and what they can do in defence.

We also have a strong team and we do not have to give them any chance to dominate.” India defeated Korea 3.2 in the Asian Champions Trophy this year. Last year, their match in Asia Cup was 4. There was a draw by 4.

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