[UPDATED] South Korea dash Malaysia women's hockey semi-final hopes

The Malaysian women's hockey team's dreams of advancing to the semi-finals of the Asian Games have ended after they were defeated 2-1 by South Korea in a Group A match at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium. Park Seung Ae scored the opening goal for South Korea in the 15th minute, and An Su Jin added a second in the 29th minute. Nurmaizatul Hanim Syafi equalized with a penalty corner in the 60th minute.

Malaysia's eighth loss to South Korea in 10 matches since 2008 highlighted the challenge ahead. CR Kumar's team finished the group stage with three wins and two losses, securing third place. Ranked 21st globally, Malaysia will now take on Indonesia in a fifth-to-eighth qualification match. The Malaysian Hockey Confederation had set a goal of finishing in the top four, targeting Indian coach Kumar.

Despite a strong comeback in the final two quarters, Malaysia's performance in the first two periods was lacking. Kumar acknowledged the team's effort in converting a penalty corner late in the game. However, the team remains determined, aiming to win both remaining matches to achieve a fifth-place finish. South Korea, ranked 17th, will face India in the semi-finals, while defending champions China will compete against Japan in the other match.