The men’s national field hockey team on June 1 poses for a commemorative photo after defeating Malaysia, 2-1, to win the 11th Asia Cup in Jakarta, Indonesia. (Asia Hockey Federation’s official Facebook page)
By Jung Joo-ri and Lee Jihae
The men’s national field hockey team has hoisted its first Asian championship cup in nine years.
Korea on June 1 defeated Malaysia, 2-1, in the final of the 11th Asia Cup in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Led by coach Shin Seok-kyo, the Korean team tied the game 1-1 before Hwang Tae-il (Seongnam City Hall) scored the winner in the seventh minute of the fourth quarter.
Jang Jong-hyun (Seongnam City Hall) was named Most Valuable Player of the competition with six goals.
Winning the Asia Cup in 1994, 1999, 2009 and 2013, Korea now has the most titles in the tournament with five. India and Pakistan are tied for second with three each.
Korea also claimed the Men’s Asia Champions Trophy in December last year, and its latest Asia Cup triumph has reaffirmed its status as Asia’s No. 1 power in field hockey.
Korea, India, Malaysia and Japan were the top four finishers in this year’s Asia Cup, and all four countries will compete in the World Cup finals next January in India.
etoilejr@korea.kr
