Hockey

India made a remarkable fightback to defeat South Korea 3-2 and retain the Junior Asia Cup hockey crown on Friday.

It was a 'Chak De' moment in Hyderabad - the city of pearls - as the Indian junior hockey team defeated a strong Korean side, thanks to a extra-time goal by drag-flick expert Diwakar Ram.

Diwakar Ram has been a revelation in the tournament and his golden goal helped India clinch victory from the jaws of defeat in a fast-paced and exhilarating final.

India trailed 0-2 till the 59th minute of a fast-paced contest but clawed their way back with two quick goals to leave the Koreans stunned.

The speedy Koreans shot in to the lead as early as in the seventh minute with Nam Hyun Woo sounding the board. Lim Woo Guen added the second in the 52nd minute, placing his team that had won the bronze the last time, in a firm position.

But India, with an unbeaten record in the tournament reduced the deficit through S V Sunil's goal in the 59th minute.

Four minutes later, India's new hockey sensation Diwakar damaged the Korean dream when he scored the equaliser.

After being locked 2-2 at the end of regulation time, the in-form Diwakar Ram converted a penalty corner to tilt the balance in India's favour in the final showdown which saw luck swing like a pendulam right through the match.

Scenes of wild celebrations broke out in the galleries the moment Diwakar netted the 'golden goal' and the Indian players embraced each other to celebrate their second successive Asia Cup triumph.

Pakistan took third place in the tournament by trouncing Japan 7-2 in the play-off for third-fourth positions.