The Indian women's hockey team secured a remarkable 2-1 victory over Japan in their fourth match at the Jharkhand Women's Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023. Navneet Kaur (31') and Sangita Kumari (47') scored the goals for India, while Kana Urata (37') found the back of the net for Japan.
The match was characterized by intense competition from the beginning. India initially launched an aggressive approach, attempting to unsettle Japan with relentless pressure. Japan responded admirably, holding their ground and even launching counterattacks to challenge the Indian team.
Despite both teams earning penalty corner opportunities, neither managed to score in the first quarter. The second quarter continued to be fiercely contested, with India striving to break the deadlock but Japan's resolute defense holding strong.
The third quarter saw India taking the lead as Navneet Kaur netted a powerful shot. However, Japan quickly responded, with Kana Urata converting a penalty corner to level the score.
In the fourth quarter, India regained the lead as Sangita Kumari produced a superb deflection. Despite late efforts from Japan, India's defense held strong, securing a 2-1 victory.
With this win, India will face Korea in their fifth and final Pool stage match of the tournament.
(WITH AGENCY INPUTS)
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