New Delhi: Despite his team’s dominant performance throughout the campaign, India women’s hockey team chief coach Harendra Singh warned his players that Tuesday’s Asian Champions Trophy semi-final against Japan would be no easy task, even after their 3-0 victory over the same opponents on Sunday.
The hosts secured a 2-0 victory over Japan to book a spot in the final against China, but the coach’s caution proved justified. Japan showed resilience, holding India at bay until after halftime during the round-robin phase, and made sure this semi-final was no easy win for the team that had dominated all five round-robin matches in the tournament held in Rajgir, Bihar.
India faced a steadfast defense and an exceptional performance from Japan goalkeeper Yu Kudo, who denied every Indian attempt for 48 minutes. It was Navneet Kaur (48th) who finally broke the deadlock, converting a penalty stroke to give India the lead. The goal shifted the momentum, and Lalremsiami (56th) extended the advantage after a brilliant setup by Sunelita Toppo, sealing the defending champions’ spot in the final.
India stuck to their aggressive strategy, employing a full press and launching relentless attacks. They dominated the game, penetrating Japan’s striking circle 23 times—17 more than their opponents—while registering seven shots on goal compared to none by Japan. Despite earning 13 penalty corners, India found themselves thwarted by an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Yu Kudo, named Player of the Match, and the resolute Japanese defenders.
India maintained control, frequently recovering possession high up the pitch and pushing for goals. Their fluid build-up play created several penalty corner opportunities, particularly in the second quarter. However, all of Deepika’s flicks and strikes from Navneet and Udita Duhan were skillfully blocked by Kudo.
The pressure remained relentless as Lalremsiami launched a daring run down the left baseline at the start of the quarter, leaving the Japanese defense in disarray. However, the move lacked a finisher. India’s aggressive play forced quick turnovers, leading to additional penalty corners. Yet, Japan’s goalkeeper Yu Kudo was in exceptional form, blocking Deepika’s low drag flick with ease.
Japan struggled to breach India’s defense, failing to register any circle entries or test goalkeepers Savita Punia and Bichu Devi Kharibam, who alternated each quarter.
Six minutes before halftime, India earned another penalty corner. This time, Deepika aimed high, but Kudo delivered yet another stunning save. Despite India’s relentless attacks, the finishing touch was missing, and the first half ended goalless.
In the third quarter, India slowed the pace in an attempt to craft clear scoring opportunities. However, Japan’s defense held firm, with players fearlessly blocking attacks and forcing India to rely on penalty corners.
With four minutes left in the quarter, Deepika intercepted the ball high up the pitch and unleashed a powerful shot, but it sailed over the bar. Despite repeated penalty corners, India couldn’t break through, as Kudo stood resolute in goal, leaving the Indian players searching for answers.
Three minutes into the final quarter, Deepika, the tournament’s top scorer with 10 goals, was fouled in the circle, earning India a penalty stroke. Navneet Kaur stepped up and finally beat Yu Kudo to break the deadlock.
The goal reignited the crowd, and India ramped up the tempo. With less than five minutes remaining, Sunelita Toppo raced past two defenders on the right wing and delivered a precise cutback to Lalremsiami, who smashed the ball into the net to double India’s lead.
Japan earned a penalty corner with under two minutes to go, but goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam stayed sharp, swatting the ball away to secure India’s spot in the final. They will face Olympic silver medallists China, who defeated Malaysia 3-1 in the other semi-final.
