NEW DELHI: Hockey India president A K Mattoo on Friday lauded the national women’s hockey team for entering the finals of the seventh Asia Cup, which also assured them a place in next year’s World Cup in Argentina.

The Indian eves edged past Korea 3-2 in the first semifinal of the women’s Asia Cup in Bangkok today, thereby earning an automatic place in next year’s World Cup to be held in Rosario, Argentina.

Mattoo said the girls’ impressive performance in the tournament shows that Indian hockey was heading in the right direction.

“It is a creditable performance by the girls and we appreciate their sincere efforts and hard work. They have brought a lot of respect by qualifying for the World Cup,” he said.

“It proves that Indian hockey is on a revival path.” He also praised coach MK Kaushik and his support staff for the success.

“Kaushik and his group did a commendable job. They had put in a lot of hard work which is showing in the results,” Mattoo said.

India will lock horns with formidable China, against whom they drew in the group stages, in the final on Sunday.

China pipped Japan by a solitary goal in the other semifinal.