Women’s Asia Cup: India play a 1-1 draw against Japan in Super 4s

India and Japan played out a 1-1 draw in the Women’s Asia Cup Super 4s in Hangzhou. Beauty Dung Dung scored for India before Shiho Kobayakawa equalised late for Japan

Hangzhou (China): The Indian Women’s Hockey Team put in a fine performance against Japan, drawing 1-1 in a Super 4s match of the Women’s Asia Cup 2025 in Hangzhou. India will reach the final of the Women’s Asia Cup 2025 if China overcome Korea or avoid a defeat by less than a three-goal margin.

In the match against Japan, India drew first blood as they scored early through Beauty Dung Dung (7’), while Shiho Kobayakawa (58’) equalised for Japan.

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India had the better start in the early exchanges and threatened within the first few minutes, as Ishika Chaudhary hit the frame of the goal. Soon after, Japan began to put together attacking moves, but India struck in the form of Beauty Dung Dung (7’), who deflected Neha’s shot into the net to make it 1-0. India continued to attack and earned the game’s first penalty corner in the final moments of the first quarter, which ended 1-0.

Japan came out in the second quarter looking for the equaliser and pressed hard in the first few minutes. They won a penalty corner as well, but India kept them out without much trouble. As the contest progressed, the Indian Women’s Hockey Team regained possession and built in attack. Japan’s defence, though, held firm and put pressure on India late in the half. However, India’s defence stayed strong and went into the break leading 1-0.

The third quarter saw the Indian Women’s Hockey Team increase the intensity against Japan’s defence. Lalremsiami was often at the heart of the attacking moves. India dominated possession and were relentless in attack, but could not find a second goal. The quarter ended with India still leading 1-0.

The final quarter saw Japan step up their attack in search of an equaliser. The defending champions were under pressure, and India’s defence continued to repel their advances. Midway through the quarter, India won a series of penalty corners to put Japan under pressure. However, in the final minutes, Japan scored through Shiho Kobayakawa (58’) to make it 1-1.

Eventually, both teams shared the spoils as the match ended 1-1.