India’s women’s hockey team secured a place in the semi-finals of the Nagoya Asian Games by defeating hosts Japan 3-1. India recorded their fourth consecutive win in the Pool B match played at Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium on Friday, ensuring a place in the top two with 12 points. Lalremsiami Hmarzote, Ishika Chaudhary and Navneet Kaur scored for India, while Shiho Kobayakawa scored Japan’s only goal.
Lalremsiami Hmarzote puts India ahead from a rebound
India played aggressively from the start. In the first quarter, Japanese goalkeeper Yu Kudo saved Navneet Kaur’s attempt. Lalremsiami reached the rebound first and put the ball into the goal to give India a 1-0 lead.
Japan tried to equalise in the first quarter. They were also awarded a penalty corner, but Indian captain and goalkeeper Savita Punia kept India’s lead intact by stopping Maho Ueno’s attempt.
Ishika scored from a rebound
India increased the pressure in the second quarter. Just before half-time, India won a penalty corner. After Navneet’s attempt was blocked, Ishika Chaudhary scored from the rebound to give India a 2-0 lead.
In the third quarter, Navneet Kaur scored a superb field goal after outwitting the Japanese defence. India consequently took a 3-0 lead.
Japan pulled one back, India withstands the pressure
Japan reduced the deficit at the start of the final quarter. Shiho Kobayakawa scored with a powerful tomahawk shot to make it 3-1. Japan then launched attack after attack, but the Indian defence, led by Savita Punia, withstood the pressure and did not allow Japan to score a second goal.
India in top two, Japan and Thailand set for showdown
India have 12 points from four matches. Japan are second with nine points. Thailand can reach 12 points by winning their remaining matches. However, because of the final pool match between Japan and Thailand, neither team can draw level with India’s 12 points.
India will play its final Pool B match against Singapore on Sunday. India won the bronze medal at the last Asian Games in Hangzhou.
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