Indian goalkeeper Gongala Murthy also had a top-notch performance as she prevented South Korea from scoring time and again.

South Korea won their first penalty corner in the 12th minute, but Park Young Soon's flick was saved by Murthy and Oh Ko Woon placed the rebound wide.

India surprised the crowd by taking the lead in the 16th minute.A well-worked penalty corner set piece saw Sunita Kullu deflectingAsunta Lakra's hit to Mamta Kharb who tapped the ball into the empty net with ease.

India showed their ability of resilience in defence. Murthy made three crucial saves from the Korea's four penalty corners in the first half.

In the second half, South Korea increased their push for the equalizer. Park Mi Hyun produced excellent attack, but she could not break through Indian defence.

Park's shot in the 61st minute hit the post to cost South Korea's best chance.

As the final whistle blew, India were jubilant while their South Korean peers sat down in tears as it was their first time toreturn home without a medal since hockey was introduced at the Asian Games in 1982.

"I feel South Korea is one of the best teams in Asia as they donot commit a lot of tactical mistakes. They deserved commendation for that," said Indian coach Maharaj Krishan Kaushik.

"With them missing 10 penalty corners, it cost them the game.

"We made silly mistakes in the preliminary stages which no teamin the world could afford. The same mistake was made by Pakistan and they lost their game to China in the last minutes of their game."