An in-form India clinched a narrow 2-1 victory against Japan, securing their fourth consecutive win and advancing to the semifinals of the women’s Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament. Navneet Kaur (31st minute) and Sangita Kumari (47th) scored for India, while Kana Urata (37th) netted Japan’s lone goal. This match showcased a battle between two undefeated teams in the tournament. Prior to this, India emerged victorious against Thailand 7-1, Malaysia 5-0, and China 2-1 in their previous matches. Similarly, Japan had defeated Malaysia 3-0, South Korea 4-0, and Thailand 4-0 in their earlier games.
The first quarter saw a fierce contest between Indian attack and Japan’s defense, with the hosts constantly mounting pressure but failing to score. Japan mostly relied on counter attacks but couldn’t breach India’s defense. Neither team managed to create clear-cut scoring opportunities in the first quarter. Japan had a chance to score from a penalty corner in the 13th minute, but Ishika Chaudhary’s defense preserved a goalless scoreline at the end of the first quarter.
Japan initiated attacks in the second quarter but failed to convert. The story continued as both teams struggled to create genuine scoring opportunities. India had several close calls towards the end of the second quarter, but couldn’t find the back of the net. India earned their first penalty corner, but vice-captain Deep Grace Ekka’s shot was well defended. Japan also earned a penalty corner, which India’s defense successfully defended.
The deadlock was finally broken a minute into the third quarter when Navneet capitalized on a deceptive pass from Salima Tete to score a powerful backhand shot. However, Japan swiftly responded with a goal from a penalty corner by Urata to level the score. India secured another penalty corner in the 39th minute but couldn’t convert. The fourth quarter witnessed intense end-to-end hockey, with India displaying dominance. Two minutes into the final quarter, Sangita deflected Deepika’s low dragflick into the net, giving India a 2-1 lead.
India had another penalty corner opportunity in the 53rd minute but failed to score. Japan pressed hard for the equalizer, but India’s defense held strong, securing the win. In their final league game, India will face South Korea on Thursday.
Topics mentioned in this article: Women’s Hockey, Asian Champions Trophy, India, Japan, Navneet Kaur, Sangita Kumari, Kana Urata.
