India women beat South Korea 2-0 to reach Asian Games hockey final

India's women's hockey team at Asian Games

India’s women’s hockey team secured a medal at the 2026 Asian Games after beating South Korea 2-0 in the semifinal on Wednesday. The win assured India of at least a silver medal, but they will now aim for gold when they face defending champions China in the final on October 2.China reached the final after beating Japan 4-2 on penalties. India will now face China for the gold medal, with the winner also securing direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

India were dominant for long periods against South Korea but struggled to convert their chances, particularly from penalty corners in the first two quarters at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium.

South Korea parked the bus as India maintained a high press and lurked around the opposition D.

However, neither team could score in the first two quarters, raising the possibility of another semifinal being decided by a penalty shootout.India finally broke the deadlock in the 44th minute through a penalty corner. Deepika played the ball across to Ishika, who finished the move to put India into the lead.India doubled their lead three minutes later. Salima Tete collected a loose ball and carried it into the circle before passing towards the centre. The ball deflected off the stick of a South Korean defender and rolled into the goal, with the goal awarded to the Indian captain.The victory gives India a chance to win their first women’s hockey gold at the Asian Games since 1982.