South Korea, the reigning champions and most successful team in Asia Cup hockey with five titles, retaliated well with two quick goals to gain an advantage in the contest.
In the 12th minute, the visitors were awarded a penalty stroke due to a foul by Jugraj Singh inside the circle. Jihun Yang stepped up and found the top right corner with a powerful shot to score the equaliser.
Two minutes later, South Korea won a penalty corner, which was successfully converted by Hyeonhong Kim’s dragflick.
The second quarter was a cagey affair between the two teams with India relentlessly attacking in search of a leveller but South Korea were resilient with their defence.
In the 22nd minute, India captain Harmanpreet Singh played a long pass to find Jarmanpreet Singh on the right flank but his angular shot towards the near post was met with a strong save by the Korean goalkeeper.
The third quarter also ended in a stalemate with the away team holding on to their slim lead. India were doing well in creating opportunities inside the circle but couldn’t find the net.
In the 41st minute, Manpreet Singh played an incisive pass to Sukhjeet Singh at the far post with only the goalkeeper to beat but his shot went narrowly wide off the target.
Moments later, Abhishek had two chances to score but both his shots went wide as well. In the last play of the third quarter, India won a penalty corner after a long wait but Harmanpreet Singh’s dragflick was saved by a Korean defender on the line.
India won another penalty corner in the 49th minute which was delivered to Jugraj Singh this time but he couldn’t manage to beat the first rusher. Seconds later Mandeep Singh was thwarted by a brilliant save from the Korean keeper.
In the 53rd minute, Sukhjeet Singh played the perfect pass through the Korean defence to Mandeep Singh as he tucked the ball into an empty net to level the game again.
Both teams had chances to clinch a late winner after that but neither could capitalise.
India will next play Malaysia in the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4s Pool stage on Thursday.