Bhubaneswar: India’s women’s hockey team held Japan to a 1-1 draw in a tense Super 4s encounter of the Women’s Asia Cup Hockey 2025 on Saturday, securing a place in the tournament final. Beauty Dung Dung’s early strike gave India the advantage, but Shiho Kobayakawa’s late equaliser for Japan ensured a share of the spoils.
The result left India’s fate hanging on the outcome of the China vs. Korea match later in the day. China’s narrow 1-0 victory confirmed India’s berth in the title clash, while eliminating Japan from contention.
India strikes first, Japan rallies late
India started brightly, with Dung Dung converting a field goal in the seventh minute to put her side ahead. Japan pressed hard in the closing stages, pulling their goalkeeper for an additional outfield player, and Kobayakawa levelled the score in the 58th minute.
What’s next
The Women’s Asia Cup Hockey 2025 final will see India take on hosts China, with the champion earning automatic qualification for the 2026 FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup.
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