India Remain in Final Race After 1-1 Draw With Japan in Super 4s

The India women’s national field hockey team held Japan women’s national field hockey team to a 1-1 draw in their Super 4s encounter at the Women’s Asia Cup 2025 in Hangzhou on Friday. The result keeps India’s hopes of reaching the final alive, dependent on China women’s national field hockey team either defeating South Korea women’s national field hockey team or avoiding a loss by less than three goals in their upcoming fixture.

India made a bright start and struck early, with Beauty Dung Dung finding the net in the 7th minute by deflecting a shot from Neha to give her side a 1-0 lead. Earlier, Ishika Chaudhary had come close to scoring, hitting the frame of the goal within the opening minutes. India continued to press forward, earning the game’s first penalty corner towards the end of the first quarter, which concluded with the scoreline at 1-0 in India’s favour.

Japan responded strongly in the second quarter, pushing hard for an equaliser and winning a penalty corner, but India’s defence stood firm. As the quarter progressed, the Indian side regained control of possession and launched a series of attacking moves. Japan’s defence, however, held their ground and gradually started applying pressure towards the close of the first half. Despite the late surge, India kept them at bay and entered the halftime break maintaining their 1-0 lead.

The third quarter saw India increasing the tempo, with Lalremsiami spearheading several attacking moves. India dominated possession and attack during this phase, creating multiple chances but failing to convert them into a second goal. The Japanese backline absorbed the pressure effectively and ensured the deficit stayed at one heading into the final quarter.

In the last quarter, Japan ramped up their offensive efforts, seeking an equaliser. The Indian defence, under pressure, continued to stand firm while India gradually pushed forward again, earning a series of penalty corners midway through the quarter. However, despite their efforts, India could not add to their tally. With just minutes remaining, Japan found the breakthrough as Shiho Kobayakawa scored in the 58th minute to level the score at 1-1.

Both sides pressed for a winner in the dying moments, but the score remained unchanged when the final hooter sounded. With this draw, India remain in contention for a place in the final of the Women’s Asia Cup 2025, awaiting the result of the crucial China-Korea match in the Super 4s stage.