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Hockey gold, Olympic berth for India
Rohit Mahajan
Tribune News Service

Incheon, October 2
India beat Pakistan through a penalty shootout to win the hockey gold medal at the Asian Games, 16 years after they last won it at the Bangkok Asian Games. The victory, which set off wild celebrations at the Seonhak Hockey Stadium on a cold, wet evening, qualifies India for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

This win came 32 years after India's crushing 7-1 defeat to Pakistan in the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi. India had beaten Pakistan only once before in the final of the Asian Games, 48 years ago in Bangkok.

The arch rivals played a 1-1 draw in regulation time and then, suddenly, it was time for the shootout. Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh saved two penalties, leading to wild celebrations on the pitch among the players, and in the stands among the Indian fans.

Pakistan had stunned India with an early goal, in the third minute of the match. India equalised in the 27th minute, when Kothajit Singh tapped in a pass from the left flank.