New Delhi || 19-11-2024 The Indian Women’s Hockey Team defeated Japan 2-0 in the Semi Final of the Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024 at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium today and booked a place for Final clash against China on Wednesday. Navneet Kaur (48’) scored from the spot in the last quarter to break the deadlock followed by a goal from Lalremsiami (56’).
India started the game with a high press, creating early circle entries, but Navneet and Sangita’s shots were saved by the Japanese goalkeeper.They maintained control, constantly winning the ball high up the pitch and gunning for goal, but were unable to find the back of the net. With four minutes left in the quarter, India earned a penalty corner, but Navneet’s shot was deflected over the bar. A minute later, I discussed got another penalty corner but Deepika’s flick was easily saved by Japan’s goalkeeper Yu Kudo, keeping the score at 0-0.
India’s aggressive play in the 2nd quarter ensured quick turnovers, earning them another penalty corner. However, Yu Kudo was in top form and saved Deepika’s low drag flick once again. On the other hand, Japan found it difficult to penetrate the Indian defense and couldn’t manage any circle entries or test the Indian goalkeepers. With six minutes left in the quarter, India earned another penalty corner. This time, Deepika aimed high, but Yu Kudo saved it again.
The story repeated in the 3rd quarter as well.With four minutes left in the quarter, Deepika intercepted the ball high up the pitch and unleashed a powerful shot towards goal, but it sailed over the post. Despite earning multiple penalty corners until the last minute, India couldn’t find the breakthrough, as Yu Kudo remained unfazed in goal, leaving India looking at the sky for answers.
In the start of the 4th and final quarter, the ball fell to Sangita at the goal line from a penalty corner but Yu Kudo was there to bail the team out again. The very next play, Deepika was fouled in the circle and India were awarded a penalty stroke. Navneet Kaur stepped up to beat the Japanese keeper from the spot and finally break the deadlock for India. However, India didn’t show any signs of slowing down. With less than five minutes in the quarter, Sunelita Toppo blazed past two defenders on the right wing and cut the ball back to Lalremsiami, who whacked the ball into goal and doubled India’s lead. Japan were awarded a penalty corner with less than two minutes in the game but Bichu was alert in goal to swat the ball away to win it 2-0 and booked for final.
