New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS): Hockey India (HI) secretary general Narinder Batra took the blame and apologized for India's dismal showing at the Hockey Junior World Cup at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.

India needed to win against South Korea in their last Pool C clash Tuesday night to qualify for the quarterfinals. Despite leading 3-1 till the 58th minute, South Korea equalised 3-3 and advanced to the last eight -- thanks on a better goal difference.

"I personally take full responsibility for the dismal performance of Team India in the Hockey Junior World Cup in New Delhi," said Batra Wednesday.

The HI executive also asked fans to not blame the team and the support staff.

"Kindly do not put any blame on the team, the coaching and the high performance team and I, as head of all operations in Hockey India, take full responsibility and apologize to the nation, all hockey lovers, the ministry of sports and the Sports Authority of India for letting them down," added Batra.