Ipoh (Malaysia): India defeated South Korea 4-1 (6-3) on penalties to win the bronze medal in the 24th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament here on Sunday.
The bronze medal playoff match ended 2-2 after regulation time at the Azlan Shah Stadium. Goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh was India’s hero effecting three saves in the penalty shoot-out.
For India, Akashdeep Singh, Sardar Singh, Rupinderpal Singh and Birender Lakra scored in the shootout.
Striker Nikkin Thimmaiah, scorer of a fine hat-trick against Australia on Saturday, gave India the lead in the 10th minute. But attacker You Hyo-sik converted a penalty corner to level the scores nine minutes later.
India again surged ahead in the 22nd minute through forward Satbir Singh in the 22nd minute.
But forward Nam Hyun-woo (28th) equalised again to stretch the match into penalties.
India stunned reigning world hockey champions Australia 4-2 on Saturday. They lost to lower-ranked Malaysia and New Zealand, while edging past minnows Canada 5-3 and playing a 2-2 draw against South Korea to qualify for the bronze-medal play-off.
