Asia Cup: Japan Stand In The Way Of Indian Women's Hockey Team's Road To Final

Last Updated:September 12, 2025, 10:51 IST

India need just a draw to progress to the final against world No.4 China, who have already sealed their spot after the win against India.

Indian women's hockey team. (Picture credit: X @TheHockeyIndia)

The Indian women’s hockey team will look to improve on their finishing ahead of the crucial Super 4 fixture against Japan in Hangzhou on Saturday in the women’s Asia Cup.

The Indians, who had earlier held Japan to a 2-2 draw in the pool, need just a draw to progress to the final against world No.4 China, who have already sealed their spot after the win against India.

The Indian team remained unbeaten in the tournament until they faced China in Thursday’s Super 4 match, losing 1-4. India squandered several opportunities, including three penalty corners, which proved costly.

India’s chief coach Harendra Singh is concerned about the team’s poor finishing and hopes the strikers will make better use of the chances that come their way.

The scoreline against China did not truly reflect India’s performance, as they put up a tough fight and dominated possession for most of the match.

Mumtaz Khan has been in excellent form for India, scoring some impressive field goals, but she lacked support. She is the second-highest scorer in the tournament with six goals, trailing Meirong Zou of China, who has scored 10 goals.

Mumtaz is looking for more support from Navneet Kaur, who is the fourth-highest scorer with five goals. Additionally, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal needs to improve her game and increase her goal tally, which currently stands at four.

Lalremsiami, Udita, Sharmila Devi, and Beauty Dung Dung also need to step up their game after a promising start to the tournament.

Neha Goyal and Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke are crucial to India’s midfield and need to elevate their performance to provide support to the forwards.

Skipper Salima Tete needs to inspire the team and enhance her performance, which has been lacking so far.

India, ranked ninth in the world, are the second-highest ranked team in the tournament after China. Winning the Asia Cup title would secure their direct qualification for the World Cup, jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands from August 15 to 30 next year.

With veteran Savita Punia injured, the responsibility of guarding India’s goal rests with Bichu Devi Kharibam and Bansari Solanki, who need to raise their game to make an impact.

Based on rankings and reputation, hosts China are the favourites to win the tournament, but modern-day hockey is unpredictable, and any team can cause an upset on a given day.

India will aim to play two perfect games—first against Japan and the final, provided they qualify—to secure direct World Cup qualification.

Teams:

India: Suman Devi Thoudam, Sharmila Devi, Nikki Pradhan, Bichu Devi Kharibam (GK), Bansari Solanki (GK), Sangita Kumari, Mumtaz Khan, Udita, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Lalremsiami, Jyoti, Navneet Kaur, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete (C), Neha, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Ishika Chaudhary, Beauty Dung Dung.

Japan: Niko Maruyama, Miyu Suzuki, Mai Toriyama, Miki Otsuka, Nanako Tateiwa, Hanami Saito, Chiko Fujibayashi, Nozomi Goshima, Emi Nishikori, Mayuri Horikawa, Saki Tanaka, Amiru Shimada (C), Akio Tanaka, Hiroka Murayama, Shiho Kobayakawa, Ikumi Matsu, Yu Kudo (GK), Miyu Hasegawa.

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