Did India Secure a Draw Against Japan in the Women's Asia Cup Super 4s?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India drew 1-1 with Japan in a critical Super 4s match.
- Beauty Dung Dung scored early for India.
- Shiho Kobayakawa equalized for Japan in the final minutes.
- India will advance to the finals depending on China's performance against Korea.
- The match showcased India's strong defense and attacking potential.
Hangzhou (China), Sep 13 (NationPress) The Indian women’s hockey team showcased an impressive performance against Japan, resulting in a 1-1 draw during the Super 4s of the Women’s Asia Cup 2025 held in Hangzhou. India has a chance to reach the final of the tournament if China either defeats Korea or avoids a loss by a margin of three goals or more.
In the match, India struck first with an early goal from Beauty Dung Dung in the 7th minute. Japan equalized in the dying moments of the game through Shiho Kobayakawa in the 58th minute.
India started strong, creating threats right from the outset as Ishika Chaudhary hit the goalpost within minutes. Japan began to build momentum but was soon halted as India found the net. Beauty Dung Dung deftly redirected a shot from Neha into the goal, making it 1-0. India maintained pressure and earned the first penalty corner of the match towards the end of the first quarter, concluding it with the score at 1-0.
Japan emerged in the second quarter with determination to equalize, gaining early possession and a penalty corner opportunity. However, the Indian defense stood firm. As the match progressed, the Indian team regained control and initiated counter-attacks. Japan's defense held strong, and the first half concluded with India leading 1-0.
The third quarter saw India intensifying their efforts against Japan's defense, with Lalremsiami playing a pivotal role in the attacking maneuvers. Despite India’s relentless pursuit for a second goal, they could not extend their lead as Japan's defense absorbed the pressure. At the end of this quarter, India still led 1-0.
In the final quarter, Japan ramped up their offensive efforts in search of an equalizer. The defending champions faced mounting pressure, but the Indian defense remained resolute. Midway through the quarter, India surged back up the field, securing multiple penalty corners to regain the upper hand. However, in the final moments, Japan found the equalizer through Shiho Kobayakawa, making it 1-1.
Ultimately, both teams left the field with a share of the points, concluding the match at 1-1.