The Indian women’s hockey team booked a place in the Asia Cup final on Saturday, securing a spot against hosts China despite a 1-1 draw with defending champions Japan.
India’s fate had rested on the result of China’s match against Korea, who needed a two-goal victory to advance. China prevailed 1-0, ensuring India, third in the 2022 edition, reached the summit clash.
China topped the Super 4 table with nine points from three wins, while India finished second with four points from one win, one draw and one defeat. Japan ended third with two points, and Korea came last with a single point.
The contest against Japan saw India strike first. Beauty Dung Dung put the team ahead in the seventh minute with a field goal. Japan, however, drew level late as Kobayakawa Shiho converted a chance in the 58th minute, two minutes before the hooter.
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It marked the second draw between the two sides in this tournament, following their 2-2 pool-stage encounter. A win against Japan would have immediately secured India’s final berth, but the team waited anxiously for the China-Korea result.
India dominated the early exchanges, with Ishika Chaudhary striking the frame of the goal within minutes. Japan’s attacks were repelled as Dung Dung’s goal provided the cushion. The second quarter saw Japan pressing for an equaliser, including a penalty corner, but India’s defence held firm.
The final stages of the match were intensely contested. India regained possession and launched repeated attacks, earning multiple penalty corners, yet Japan’s defence remained resilient until the 58th minute. Captain Amiru Shimada’s surge down the left led to Shiho Kobayakawa netting the equaliser.
India pressed in the final moments, earning a penalty corner, but Japan held on to ensure a share of the spoils. With China’s concurrent victory, India advanced to face the hosts in Sunday’s summit clash, with the winner securing qualification for next year’s World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands.
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