India is set to clash with hosts China in the highly anticipated final on Tuesday. Earlier in a dramatic showdown, China edged past Pakistan with a 2-0 win in a shootout after both teams were locked at 1-1 at the end of the regulation 60 minutes. In their previous league stage encounter, India emerged victorious with a convincing 3-0 win over China, setting the stage for an intense rematch.

In addition to the final, Pakistan and Korea are gearing up for the third place classification match, also scheduled for Tuesday. Meanwhile, Japan triumphed over Malaysia in a thrilling contest for the fifth-sixth place classification match, winning 4-2 in a shootout after the game ended in a 4-4 tie during regular time.

The second semifinal saw India take on Korea with the Indians launching an aggressive offense from the outset. They continuously tested the Korean defense with relentless attacks. Conversely, the Korean team adopted a defensive strategy, relying on sporadic counterattacks to create opportunities.

In the fourth minute, Abhishek nearly put India ahead, but his reverse hit was brilliantly saved by Korean goalkeeper Kim Jaehan. India’s persistent efforts in building up plays and penetrating the Korean circle bore fruit in the 13th minute when Uttam expertly positioned himself to tap in Araijeet Singh Hundal’s pass from the right flank, giving India a well-deserved lead.

As the first quarter drew to a close, Korea earned consecutive penalty corners but failed to capitalize on these opportunities. Four minutes into the second quarter, India secured their first penalty corner, and Harmanpreet delivered his sixth goal of the tournament, extending India’s lead to 2-0.

Just before halftime, Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera made a crucial save, rushing out to thwart an attempt from a Korean player. India’s dominance continued unabated after the break, and they further extended their lead two minutes into the third quarter. A brilliant scoop from Sumit found Jarmanpreet just outside the circle on the left flank. Jarmanpreet controlled the ball expertly and took a couple of steps inside the circle before slapping it into the Korean goal.

Korea managed to pull one back a minute later from a penalty corner, courtesy of Yang Jihun, the tournament’s top scorer. However, this goal did little to disrupt India’s momentum as they maintained their attacking play and dominated possession.

With just a second remaining in the third quarter, India earned another penalty corner when Korean goalkeeper Jaehan was shown a yellow card for handling the ball outside the circle. Harmanpreet seized the opportunity to extend India’s lead further.

Eight minutes from the final whistle, Karkera made an impressive double save to deny Park Cheoleon, though Korea did earn a penalty corner which they failed to convert. From then on, India displayed a controlled performance, defending their lead with ease and securing their place in their fifth final appearance of the tournament.