K ARUMUGAM
Asian hockey has been a two-way horse with India and Pakistan’s powerful presence. It lasted for four decades (1940s to 1970). South Korea’s emergence in the mid 1980s changed the course much like Belgium of 2000s in the European continent. Since the mid 80s, thanks to the rise of Korea, the Asian hockey has become a three-horse race. The mere fact none of the other Asian nations could ever win either Cup or Asian Games title speak about the India-Pakistan-Korean triangle. The mere fact that two of the famed trio figured in 10 of the 12 Asia Cup final vouchsafe for their utter dominance. We will have one more today: India-Korea final.
Koreans had a Golden run ain Asia at the cost of India and Pakistan
Korea stunned Malaysia yesterday in a do or die game. Malaysia took 3-1 lead only to go down 3-4 to the Koreans. This made them enter the final for the seventh time in the Asia Cup annals.
The kind of resilience the Koreans displayed today has been their hallmark since the mid 198s.
One simple stat is sufficient to portray the kind of stuff the Koreans are made of.
Korea entered the Asia Cup finals six time and won five times. The lone loss was inflicted upon them at Chennai in 2007.
On the contrary, India could win only thrice out of 8 finals including final-like last match of the inaugural edition which was played on round-robin format.
India lost only nine matches in the Asia Cup history, five times the Gold deciding ones.
Now it’s time to correct the historic past.
INDIA – KOREA RIVALRY IN THE ASIA CUP (1982 to 2025 before the final)
Played: 13
India won: 6
Kora won: 3
drawn: 4
India Goals: 44
South Kora goals: 25