Incheon, Sep 29 (IANS): The Indian women's hockey team failed to enter the 17th Asian Games final, going down 1-3 to hosts South Korea in a semi-final match at the Seonhak Hockey Stadium here Monday.

China, who defeated Japan 1-0 in the first semi-final, will play the hosts in the gold medal round while India face Japan in the bronze medal match Wednesday.

The more athletic and fitter South Koreans got off to a fine start against the Indians, taking the lead in the third minute. Darae Kim stunned India, scoring an opportunistic goal.

But the Indian team shrugged off the early disappointment and came back into the contest, levelling in the 11th minute. Namita Toppo equalised slamming the ball into the top corner from inside the 'D' after a good build-up play.

But they couldn't maintain the gained momentum as the hosts reclaimed their lead in the second quarter with Hyelyoung Han putting them ahead in the 28th minute.

Despite trailing, India were still in with a chance and kept pressing to find the equaliser. But all of India's hopes were dealt a hammer blow when South Korea extended their lead 3-1 in the third quarter. Mihyun Park scored in the 42nd minute as the Indians were guilty of ball-watching. They never recovered from the blow.

India were the champions at home in 1982 Delhi when women's hockey was first introduced in the Asian Games. They won a silver in 1998 and bronze medals in 1986 and 2006.