India squandered its lead in the dying moments and had to settle for a 2-2 draw with defending champions Korea in the women's junior hockey World Cup in Santiago, Chile.

Korea were on the verge of defeat when Young Soon Park converted her second penalty-corner of the match after the hooter to give her side a vital point and a strong claim on the semi-final berth in the Pool F.

Earlier, India drew first blood through Sarita Lakra in the 10th minute as Korea struggled to find a way through the Indian defence. But Soon Park drag flicked into the net shortly before half time to level the score and the two teams went into the break tied 1-1.

Korea, who needed a victory to ensure automatic entry into the last four, appeared eager to take the lead in the second half but Indian skipper Jasjeet Kaur Handa converted a penalty-corner in the 44th minute to put India 2-1 ahead.

Soon Park earned a penalty-corner just 15 seconds before full-time and produced an unstoppable flick to save her team in the 70th minute.