New Delhi || 18-10-2024 The Indian Women’s Hockey Team defeated Japan 3-0 in their last group stage match of the Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024 at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium on Sunday.
Japan showcased exemplary defence in the first half of the game but second half goals from Navneet Kaur (37’) and Deepika (47’, 48’) sealed India’s victory. With this result India have finished on top of the table without dropping a single point. India will play with Japan, who finished fourth on the table, in the Semi Final on 19 November. It will be a rematch.
India began the game with a slow, patient buildup, pushing Japan back. India unable to convert the two penalty corners they get in the first quarter.
In the second quarter Japan started with more ball control, probing India’s shooting circle but unable to find a way through their defense. Both teams traded circle entries, but no clear goalscoring opportunities emerged until India earned a penalty corner five minutes before the halftime whistle. But India couldn’t able to convert it into goal and the score line was 0-0 after the 2nd quarter.
In the 3rd quarter Despite India’s dominance, Japan remained unfazed until Navneet Kaur took matters into her own hands with eight minutes left in the quarter. She picked up the ball at the top of the shooting circle and unleashed a reverse shot while dashing towards the left corner, catching Japanese keeper Yu Kudo off guard and breaking the deadlock. India got a lead of 1-0.
The 4th and final quarter started with a penalty corner for India. On the third retake, Deepika unleashed a powerful low flick towards the right post, doubling India’s lead. India pressed their advantage and earned another penalty corner in the very next minute. This time, Deepika powered the ball over the keeper and into the goal, making it 3-0 in India’s favor. From there, India took complete control of the match, ensuring they ended the group stage with yet another victory.
