South Korea finished fifth Sunday at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup after holding off India 2-1 in a repeat of last year’s washed-out final.
Both teams were named joint champions last year but were reduced to playing for minor positions this time in Ipoh, Malaysia.
Nam Hyun-Woo put South Korea ahead in the 11th minute before Jang Jong-Hyun added a second in the 21st minute to put the Koreans firmly in charge.
Vikram Pillay pulled a goal back early in the second half for India but an anticipated charge never really materialised from the one-time hockey giants.
For the world-number six South Koreans it was a second win over the Indians in the tournament after they took the opening tie 3-2.
South Korea coach Shin Seok-Kyu said that they knew how to beat India and stuck to their game plan.
“But in the second half we were a little casual and this gave the Indians a chance to hit back. But luckily, we were able to hold on to our lead,” he said.
His counterpart Harinder Singh said: “It was still a mixed game and we played well only in patches.
“At this level that is not enough. We have learnt a lot in this tournament and we need to ensure that what has been learnt will be put to good use.
“It is sad we finished sixth but we were in the fight for a better position until the end. So that was a good aspect.”
