India beat S.Korea to clinch bronze in Azlan Shah hockey

Ipoh (Malaysia), April 12:

India defeated South Korea 4-1 (6-3) on penalties to win the bronze medal in the 24th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament here on Sunday.

The bronze-medal playoff match ended 2-2 after regulation time at the Azlan Shah Stadium. Goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh was India’s hero effecting three saves in the penalty shoot-out.

For India, Akashdeep Singh, Sardar Singh, Rupinderpal Singh and Birender Lakra scored in the shootout.

Striker Nikkin Thimmaiah, scorer of a fine hat-trick against Australia on Saturday, gave India the lead in the 10th minute.

But attacker Hyosik You converted a penalty corner to level the scores nine minutes later.

India again surged ahead in the 22nd minute through forward Satbir Singh in the 22nd minute.

But forward Hyunwoo Nam (28th) equalised again to stretch the match into penalties.

India stunned reigning world hockey champions Australia 4-2 on Saturday. They lost to lower-ranked Malaysia and New Zealand, while edging past minnows Canada 5-3 and playing a 2-2 draw against South Korea to qualify for the bronze-medal play-off. (IANS)