Hangzhou [China]: The Indian women’s hockey team sealed a spot in the Asia Cup final after a tense 1-1 draw against defending champions Japan, combined with China’s 1-0 win over Korea in the Super 4s stage on Saturday. The result sets up a mouthwatering final between India and hosts China on Sunday, with the winner also booking a ticket to the 2026 Women’s Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Super 4s standings decide India’s fate
India, who finished third in the 2022 edition, needed favorable results after their stalemate with Japan. China’s narrow win ensured they topped the Super 4s table with nine points from three victories, while India finished second with four points (one win, one draw, one loss). Japan ended third with two points, and Korea finished bottom with just one point.
Korea had entered the final Super 4s clash needing to beat China by at least two goals to qualify, but their defeat confirmed India’s progression.
India vs Japan: Beauty Dung Dung strikes early
India started brightly, taking the lead in the 7th minute when Beauty Dung Dung converted a fine field goal. Despite chances for both sides, India went into half-time 1-0 ahead.
Japan fought back in the final quarter and found the equaliser in the 58th minute through Shiho Kobayakawa, who capitalised on a left-wing run by captain Amiru Shimada to sweep the ball past goalkeeper Bichu Devi.
The draw meant India had to nervously await the outcome of the China-Korea clash before confirming their place in the final.
What’s next: India vs China for glory
Sunday’s final will not only decide the Asia Cup 2025 champions but also determine direct qualification for next year’s World Cup. For coach Harendra Singh’s side, the clash offers a chance to avenge their Super 4s loss to China and secure their first Asia Cup title since 2017.