Korea 10-0 Indonesia as Asiad men's hockey begins

The Korean men's hockey team pose for a photo at Incheon International Airport in Incheon on Sept. 20 ahead of their departure to Hangzhou, China. [NEWS1]

The Korean men’s hockey team thrashed Indonesia 10-0 in their first Hangzhou Asian Games pool stage game Sunday, starting their bid to win their fourth Asiad gold medal with a convincing win.

The match at Gongshu Canal Sport Park Stadium in Hangzhou, China began with Korea grabbing the first quarter 1-0 with Lee Hye-seung’s goal. Two more goals followed in the second quarter with Jang Jong-hyun and Ji Woo-cheon scoring one apiece.

With a 3-0 lead, Korea upped the ante in the third quarter, ending 7-0, before scoring three more in the last quarter to seal a 10-0 victory.

Jang was the top scorer of the match with four goals.

The result comes as a good sign as Korea look to claim their first gold medal at the Asian Games since 2006.

Korea is the second-winningest country in Asiad’s men’s hockey, securing four golds in 1986, 1994, 2002 and 2006.

Pakistan has won the most golds, with eight. Their last gold medal came from the 2010 tournament.

A total of 12 countries, divided into two groups of six, are competing in this year’s men’s tournament. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals.

With one win in hand, Korea will face Thailand in Pool B on Tuesday. Korea, Indonesia and Thailand are joined in Pool B by China, Oman and Malaysia.

The winner of the Asian Games tournament will book a direct ticket to the Paris Olympics next year.

BY PAIK JI-HWAN [paik.jihwan@joongang.co.kr]