India beat Korea 7-2, retain Asia Cup

Chennai:

It was a Chak De moment for the Indian hockey team in Chennai after they beat South Korea 7-2 to lift the Seventh BSNL Asia Cup on Sunday.

Prabodh Tirkey's men were spot on target right from the first minute. Their attacking brand of hockey once again on display as Shivendra Singh put the hosts in the third minute of the game.

The Koreans struck back five minutes later. Jong Hyun Jang scored the equaliser through a penalty stroke. India were reduced to 10 men immediately after with Sardar Singh being sent off for a rash tackle.

But, that didn't stop the hosts. SV Sunil scored the second goal in the 13th minute and Prabhjot Singh made it 3-1 as the reigning Asian Games champions looked completely clueless.

The roar in the stands grew louder with each passing minute and the tempers rose in the middle too. Players from both the teams engaged in a scuffle just 20 seconds before the end of first half over an umpiring decision.

The second half witnessed same scenes. This time the Koreans protesting after Rajpal Singh netted the fourth goal. The match continued and so did the Indian goal-scoring spree. Even Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi joined the celebration.

The Indians tore holes through the Korean defence in the last 20 minutes when Ignace, Rajpal and Prabhjot scored in what was the tourists worst defeat after winning the 2000 Olympics silver medal.