Indian women's hockey team suffered their first defeat in the tour of South Korea after they lost 1-2 against the hosts in a hard-fought third game of the five-match series.
Two goals in the first quarter from South Korea's Seul Ki Cheon (12th minute) and Yurim Lee (14th) sealed a win for the hosts at the Jinchun National Athletic Centre.
India, however, did not give up without a fight a pulled a goal back through Lalremsiami in the 16th minute.
Despite the loss, India continues to lead the five-match series 2-1 following victories in the first two games.
Earlier in the day, India looked to continue their winning momentum and were quick off the blocks to put some pressure on South Korea's midfield.
However, the South Koreans matched their rivals equally as the opening 10 minutes of the first quarter witnessed tough tussle between both the teams for supremacy as it was the hosts who took the lead when Seul Ki Cheon converted a penalty corner in the 12th minute.
It didn't take long enough before the Koreans beat the Indian defense was once again two minutes later when Yurim Lee scored from another penalty corner.
Trailing by two goals, India took the field in the second quarter looking to make a comeback and were instantly rewarded when forward Lalremsiami found the back of the net in the 16th minute to pull one back for the visitors.
The Indian team then took control of the match and looked threatening but the South Korean defenders stuck to their task as the visitors wasted a number of chances.
South Korean goalkeeper Heabin Jung also made a couple of fine saves to deny India equaliser before half-time.
In the third quarter, South Korea had the better chances of scoring as they earned three penalty Corners but failed to convert a single one with Rajani Etimarpu standing tall in front of the Indian goal.
It was important for India to create significant goal-scoring chances in the final quarter if they were to find the equaliser and expectedly the visitors kept piling up the pressure on South Korea and in the process earned two penalty corners in the last four minutes of the match.
But the chances went wasted as South Korean goalkeeper Heabin Jung made two brilliant saves to deny India the all-important equaliser.
India will play their fourth match of series against South Korea on February 9.
(With PTI Inputs)
