India Hold Japan 2-2 in Thrilling Women’s Asia Cup Clash

Photo:PTI

The Indian women’s hockey team showed great fighting spirit in their second pool match of the Women’s Asia Cup in Hangzhou on Saturday, September 6, 2025. The match ended in a 2-2 draw against defending champions Japan, with India scoring a dramatic equaliser just before the final whistle.

India had already made a strong start to the tournament by crushing Thailand 11-0 in their opening game. Their second game, however, was much tougher. Japan, who are ranked 12th in the world compared to India’s 10th position, gave a strong challenge in this Pool B encounter.

How the Match Unfolded

The match began with India attacking hard in the opening minutes, trying to put pressure on the Japanese defense. But Japan remained solid and soon struck the first blow. In the 10th minute, Hiroka Murayama finished a fine attacking move to give Japan a 1-0 lead.

For the rest of the first quarter, India kept trying to break through, but Japan held firm. India’s players continued to attack in the second quarter, searching for an equaliser. Finally, just before halftime, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal found the net, making it 1-1 and giving India the boost they needed.

The score was level going into the break, and both teams came out cautiously in the second half, trying not to make mistakes. The third quarter was evenly matched, with both sides creating chances but failing to score.

The drama came in the final 15 minutes. Japan pushed harder in attack, and their pressure paid off in the 58th minute. They were awarded a penalty stroke, which Chiko Fujibayashi confidently converted to put her side ahead 2-1.

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India, however, refused to give up. They threw everything forward in the last minutes of the game. Their persistence was rewarded in the final seconds when Navneet Kaur scored from a penalty corner, making it 2-2. The equaliser came almost at the very last moment, ensuring that India walked away with a valuable point.

Tournament Context

The Women’s Asia Cup 2025 features eight teams, divided into two groups. From each group, the top two teams will qualify for the Super 4s stage. From there, the top two will move on to the final, which will be played on September 14.

India will next face Singapore in their last pool match on Monday, September 8. A win there will give them a strong chance to move into the Super 4s.

It is also worth noting that the Asia Cup has extra importance this year. The team that wins the title will earn a direct qualification spot for the 2026 Women’s World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands.

India’s Challenges

India entered this tournament without two of their most experienced players. Veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia and top drag-flicker Deepika are both out due to injuries. Despite these setbacks, the younger players have stepped up and are showing great determination on the field.

The draw against Japan proved India’s fighting spirit. Even when trailing twice, they managed to come back and match the defending champions. This performance will boost the team’s confidence as they continue their journey in the tournament.

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