Hangzhou, Sept 13 (UNI) The Indian Women’s Hockey Team showcased resilience and attacking intent as they drew 1-1 against Japan in their Super4s match at the Women’s Asia Cup 2025, keeping their hopes alive for a place in the final.
India took the lead early in the contest through Beauty Dung Dung in the 7th minute. The goal came from a quick combination on the right flank as Neha’s initial effort was deflected by Dung Dung past Japan’s goalkeeper.
The early strike gave India momentum, and they continued to press Japan’s defence throughout the first quarter.
Ishika Chaudhary tested the Japanese goalkeeper soon after, hitting the frame of the goal in one of India’s first threatening moves. India earned the game’s opening penalty corner before the quarter ended, maintaining their 1-0 lead.
Japan responded in the second quarter, increasing their attacking intensity. They earned a penalty corner but India’s defenders, led by experienced campaigners, managed to hold firm. India gradually regained possession and began mounting attacks again, but Japan’s solid defensive structure kept them at bay. The half-time whistle saw India leading 1-0, with the match finely poised.
The third quarter saw India continuing to dominate possession, with Lalremsiami orchestrating much of the attack. The team created multiple opportunities and executed sharp passing sequences to break down Japan’s defence. Despite their dominance and relentless pressure, India could not extend their lead as the Japanese defenders absorbed the attacks effectively.
The final quarter witnessed Japan intensifying their attacks, seeking the equaliser. India’s defence, including critical interventions by their goalkeeper, managed to repel early incursions. Midway through the quarter, India launched a counter-offensive, earning a flurry of penalty corners and putting the Japanese defence under pressure.
However, in the 58th minute, Shiho Kobayakawa capitalised on a lapse in India’s defence to score, levelling the match at 1-1.
The game ended with both teams sharing the points. India’s qualification for the Women’s Asia Cup final now depends on the outcome of the China vs Korea match. The team will hope to carry the momentum from today’s performance into the deciding stages of the tournament.
