Hosts India had been those anticipated to hold the Asian hopes deeper within the FIH Hockey World Cup however it’s surprisingly Korea who’re doing it and in exemplary style, having arrange a quarterfinal in opposition to the Netherlands following a nerve-jangling win over Argentina within the crossover recreation right here on Monday.

The win in opposition to the Los Leones, the place they bounced again from 3-5 down by scoring the equaliser with 5 minutes left after which bossed the shootout, was a throwback to the Korean sides between 1980 until the flip of the millennium. They had been fleet-footed, displaying no dip in vitality until the ultimate hooter, attacked the ball vehemently and importantly had the never-say-die want.

Moment goalkeeper Kim Jeanyeon, who had a powerful recreation total, made the ultimate save within the shootout, he went charging to the nook flag and was mobbed by his team-mates, who danced wildly to the blaring music on the Kalinga Stadium. They knew what the win meant for them after seeing the game undergo a large decline during the last 15 years. 

During a golden interval beginning with their first Asian Games gold in 1986 — they gained three extra (1994, 2002, 2006) — and a historic Olympic silver at Sydney 2000, the Koreans typically even supplanted conventional powerhouses India and Pakistan with their frenetic model of hockey. However, regardless of the success, curiosity in hockey has taken a complete nosedive with children specializing in different profession prospects that supply higher returns.

“Not many are interested in hockey,” quipped coach Seok Shin following the beautiful win over Argentina. “May be around the country 100-150 people play the sport. Let alone the talent pool, even the player pool is extremely limited. Getting kids to play the game and keeping them invested is extremely challenging.

“There are just four clubs — Seongnam, Kimae, Incheon and Army — which contribute players and money. There are about five universities that play the sport. We don’t even have a professional league. Hockey season starts in September and ends in October. So with such limitations, it’s a struggle as a coach. When players come to the national team, they are not as good as the elite teams of the world. So I only focus on basic skills like ball control, open receiving, how to get kick in attacking and how to defend.”

Spurred by the quarterfinal run, Shin is decided to get Korea again to the glory days. “We have a young team for the future. Next target is Hangzhou Asian Games and we want to qualify for the Paris Olympic Games. If these goals can be achieved, I hope there could be a revival back home.”

Korea tackle Netherlands within the quarterfinals on Wednesday.