Hangzhou : The Indian women’s hockey team’s unbeaten run in the 2025 Women’s Asia Cup came to a sobering end as they went down 1-4 to hosts China in their Super 4s stage match at the Gongshu Canal Sports Park. The defeat not only handed China a spot in the final but also put India’s own progression in jeopardy, with a must-win clash against Japan awaiting on Saturday.
China took an early lead through Zou Meirong’s field goal in the 4th minute and doubled their advantage in the third quarter with a strike from Chen Yang. India fought back when Mumtaz Khan brilliantly scored a powerful backhand goal in the 38th minute, becoming the first player to breach China’s defense in this tournament. Despite India’s efforts, China extended their lead further through Tan Jinzhuang’s converted penalty corner and a second goal by Zou Meirong in the dying minutes.
India’s coach Harendra Singh acknowledged the team’s struggle in finishing, noting, “We created chances but couldn’t convert our penalty corners, which made a big difference today.” India had multiple opportunities, including disallowed goals and missed chances in crucial moments, underscoring the pressure and challenges faced against a disciplined Chinese side.
With China entering the gold medal match undefeated, India’s hopes now rest on their final Super 4s match against Japan, a game described by analysts as a virtual semifinal for World Cup qualification. The Indian team will be looking to regroup quickly and charge back with renewed zeal.
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