India settle for draw with Korea in Super4 clash in Asia Cup hockey

India wasted several chances before settling for a 2-2 draw against defending champions Korea in their first Super4 match of the men's Asia Cup hockey tournament at Rajgir in Bihar on Wednesday.

Hardik Singh put India ahead in the 8th minute, before Korea took the lead with two quick strikes from Jihun Yang (12th) and Hyeonhong Kim (14th). Mandeep Singh's 53rd-minute strike earned India a point.

The hosts will next play Malaysia on Thursday, while Korea have China as their opponents.

India had two early penalty corners against Korea, but failed to capitalise. However, Hardik gave the breakthrough after Sukhjeet Singh stole the ball on the half-line.

India's defence was at fault as Korea equalised and then took the lead from their first penalty corner, with Kim flicking the ball past Krishan Bahadur Pathak.

At the other end, Korean goalkeeper Jaehan Kim denied Jarmanpreet Singh. Sukhjeet fired wide in the 41st minute, and Abhishek couldn't hit the target as India kept knocking.

India were rewarded when Mandeep found himself at the right place to finish off a Sukhjeet move. The hosts kept pushing for a winner, but could not breach the Korean goal a third time.