'The team surely did not play to its potential in the first half. They stepped up in the second half and I am really happy for these girls. I know how much work they put in to be here. They trained really hard for this event. Japan will be a tough challenge but the team is up for it,' India’s coach Sjoerd Marijne said
Jakarta: Gurjit Kaur's 52nd minute goal powered India into the women's hockey final at the Asian Games 2018 here on Wednesday.
India edged China 1-0 in the semi-final to set up a gold medal clash with Japan. This is India's first final appearance since 1998.
After three barren periods, India finally struck with eight minutes from the hooter. Drag-flicker Gurjit converted a penalty corner.
India had seven penalty corners and had 12 shots on the goal.
"The team surely did not play to its potential in the first half. They stepped up in the second half and I am really happy for these girls. I know how much work they put in to be here. They trained really hard for this event. Japan will be a tough challenge but the team is up for it," India’s coach Sjoerd Marijne said after the victory.
Earlier, India had entered the knockout stage with an all-win record in the preliminary phase. They had beaten Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Korea and Thailand to top Pool B with 12 points.
So far, India have conceded only one goal and scored 38.
The final will be played on Friday. On Thursday, Indian men's hockey team faces Malaysia in semi-final.
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