South Korea break Indian hearts in Azlan Shah Cup final over penalty shootouts

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The Indian hockey team lost the Azlan Shah Cup final to South Korea in the penalty shootouts after the game ended 1-1 in regulation time. India had defeated Japan, Malaysia, Canada, and Poland with the draw against South Korea sandwiched between the victories being the only blemish in their impressive group stage run.

Indian hockey team failed to win the gold medal in the Azlan Shah Cup (Image Credits- TheBridge)
Indian hockey team failed to win the gold medal in the Azlan Shah Cup (Image Credits- TheBridge)

The Men in Blue made their intentions clear from the opening whistle itself and got their due reward in the 9th minute when Simranjeet Singh put them ahead. South Korea tried to play on the counter but a resolute Indian defense denied them any goalscoring opportunity.

As the second quarter started, it was all South Korea and India had to be content with doing their defensive duties. However, vice-captain Surender and goalkeeper Sreejesh ensured they wafer-thin lead was protected.

South Korea finally got their much-deserved equalizer just two minutes after the fourth quarter started as Jang-Jong Hyun converted a penalty corner. Both the sides threw in the kitchen sink in search of the winner but an equally dogged defensive unit took the game to the penalty shootouts.

India’s poor form in the penalty shootouts continued as South Korea pipped them 4-2. This loss meant India had to wait for another year to clinch the Azlan Shah Cup gold after their last triumph came way back in 2009.