Indian eves lose due to decision reversal

V Narayan Swamy

GUANGZHOU: The Indian women’s hockey team played their hearts out at the Asian Games on Wednesday but were done in by an umpiring decision. Korea walked away with a 1-0 victory and full points after skipper Surinder Kaur’s late goal was disallowed.

The wily striker struck in the 67th minute and began celebrating after the goal had been signalled. However, the joy was shortlived as the Koreans protested saying that the ball had struck the foot of an Indian player before reaching Surinder. Argentine umpire Mayano Sanchez preferred to consult her colleague H Chen, who was at the far end — a ridiculous exercise as the second umpire is usually not in a better position to adjudicate on such infringements. The Indians were dumbfounded when the decision to grant the goal was reversed.

Earlier, Korea drew first blood when Kim Jonghee scored off a penalty corner in the eighth minute.

Coach Sandeep Somesh was livid at the happenings. “I really don’t understand how an umpire who is at the far end can help in the decision. We wanted to protest the decision but then there was no video footage as the match was not telecast. We realised it would be a waste of time and money if we lodged a protest,” he told TOI.

Somesh said the video footage that he had did not give any indication of a foul. “But our video evidence is not accepted. It is sad that the match had to end this way.”

Somesh felt India had a realistic chance for a bronze now. “We will have to win our remaining matches. Realistically, we will be looking at the 3-4 positions, preferably the bronze.”

Result: Women: Korea: 1 (Kim Jonghee 8th) bt India: 0.