DOHA, Dec 11: Indian hockey's epitaph was written when they were knocked out of medal contention for the first time in the history of the Asian Games here on Monday.

Having finished 11th at the World Cup in Germany in September this year, the Indian hockey plunged into grief when they were punched out of the competition despite giving their best display of the tournament, holding defending champions South Korea to a 1-1 draw in a must-win last league match to end up third in their pool with seven points.

South Korea, ranked sixth in the world, who topped their pool with ten points and China, who had collected nine points, made it to semi-final from Pool B.

India kept their best for the last match but it was a case of too little and too late and, with the team failing to make it to last-four of the Asian Games, the future of Indian hockey has itself become uncertain.

Meanwhile, Defending champions China will clash with favourites Japan for women’s hockey gold medal on Wednesday.

China came from behind to defeat Malaysia 4-1 in their last league match on Monday, while Japan trounced winless Hong Kong 9-0 in cold, damp conditions at the Al Rayyan Stadium.

Japan lived up to their growing stature in women’s hockey by topping the seven-nation round-robin league with 16 points, one more than second placed China.

South Korea, who have 10 points and were to play India in their last match later yesterday, will meet the Indians again on Wednesday for the bronze medal.

Both Japan and China earned direct berths to the 2008 Olympics, but with China already assured of a place as hosts, an additional team from the Oceania region will make the trip to Beijing.

Japan were the top Asian team at the World Cup in Madrid in September, finishing fifth ahead of ninth-placed China and number 10 South Korea.

Japan, who led 3-0 against Hong Kong at half-time, attacked repeatedly in the second session to pump in six more goals.

Hong Kong ended their campaign with five defeats and a draw against fellow minnows Taiwan. Hong Kong scored just one goal and conceded 43. Taiwan failed to score and gave away 36.—Agencies