Asia Cup final: Indian women's hockey team sets up Sunday's summit clash against China

The Indian women's hockey team secured their spot in the Asia Cup final despite a 1-1 draw against Japan. This qualification came after China defeated Korea 1-0 in the last Super 4 stage match.India will now face China in the final match on Sunday. The winner will earn a place in next year's World Cup, scheduled in Belgium and the Netherlands.Following their draw with Japan, India had to await the outcome of the Korea-China match. China had already secured their final berth.Korea needed a victory with a minimum two-goal margin to reach the final. However, China's win helped India, who finished third in the 2022 edition, advance to the championship match.China dominated the Super 4s standings with nine points from three victories. India claimed second place with four points from one win, one draw, and one loss. Korea finished last with just one point, while Japan secured third position with two points.In the match against Japan, Beauty Dung Dung gave India an early advantage with a field goal in the seventh minute. Japan equalized through Kobayakawa Shiho in the 58th minute, just before the final whistle.

This was the second time these teams drew in the tournament, following their 2-2 pool-stage encounter.A victory over Japan would have directly qualified India for the final against China. The team, coached by Harendra Singh, eventually made it through after the China-Korea match result.India started strongly, with Ishika Chaudhary hitting the goalpost in the opening minutes. Shortly after, Dung Dung scored despite Japan's attacking attempts.Japan pressed for an equalizer in the second quarter and earned a penalty corner. However, India's defense remained solid.The Indians regained possession as the game progressed and created several attacking opportunities. Japan's defense held firm and pressured India before halftime, but the score remained 1-0.Japan increased their offensive efforts in the final quarter searching for an equalizer.Midway through the quarter, India moved up the field and won multiple penalty corners, putting pressure on their opponents.Japan finally scored when Captain Amiru Shimada advanced down the left and passed into the circle. Shiho Kobayakawa quickly converted the opportunity, leveling the score.India pushed hard in the closing moments and earned a penalty corner. However, Japan's defense remained strong, resulting in a shared point for both teams.