Beat Malaysia 2-1 in final group-stage match

Finish 4-1, 12 points — second in Group A behind China

Park Seung-ae, Ahn Su-jin score consecutive goals

Face likely India semifinal Wednesday

South Korea's women's hockey team, which advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 Asian Games [Provided by the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organizing Committee]
South Korea's women's hockey team, which advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 Asian Games [Provided by the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organizing Committee]

South Korea's women's hockey team secured a place in the semifinals of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games after defeating Malaysia.

The squad, led by Head Coach Kim Yong-su, beat Malaysia 2-1 in the final Group A match of the women's hockey round-robin at Kakamigahara Green Stadium in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, on Sunday.

The victory left South Korea with a 4-1 record and 12 points, finishing second in Group A behind China, which went unbeaten in all five matches to claim top spot with 15 points.

The opening goal came late in the first quarter, when Park Seung-ae of KT converted a penalty corner to give South Korea the lead.

Ahn Su-jin of Pyeongtaek City Hall extended the advantage to two goals with a field goal just before the end of the second quarter. South Korea held on from there, conceding once late in the fourth quarter without relinquishing control.

Across their five group-stage matches, South Korea scored 20 goals and conceded five.

The semifinal is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday at the same venue. India, the likely Group B winner, is expected to be South Korea's opponent.

Meanwhile, the South Korean men's hockey team plays its final group-stage match against Japan on Monday. South Korea beat Sri Lanka 5-0 on Saturday and holds a 3-1 record, but must defeat Japan to have a chance at reaching the semifinals for the second consecutive Asian Games.


kwater@heraldcorp.com