India Beat Defending Champs Japan 2-1, Win Bronze Medal In Women’s Hockey At Asian Games

Mumbai: India defeated defending champions Japan 2-1 in the third and fourth-place classification match at the 19th Asian Games to bag the bronze medal in the event.

Deepika and Sushila Chanu scored a goal each for India in the match. This is the fourth time that India has won a bronze medal in women’s hockey at the Asian Games. Deepika (5′) and Sushila Chanu (50′) scored for the Indian women’s hockey team while Japan captain Nagai Yuri (30′) netted for her team.

India vs. Japan’s first half turned out to be a tale of two halves. India got out to a fast start and took the lead after five minutes. After a foul from a penalty corner, India was awarded a penalty stroke, which Deepika easily converted.

In the initial phase, the Indian women’s hockey team had more opportunities to extend its lead, but some reluctance on the part of the forwards in the Japanese half maintained the deficit at one goal at a time. However, as they laid siege to the Indian defense in waves, Japan owned the second quarter.

The first half of India vs. Japan ended up being a tale of two halves. After five minutes, India had taken the lead thanks to a quick start. India was given a penalty shot after a foul from a penalty corner, which Deepika successfully executed.

The Indian women’s hockey team had more chances to increase its lead in the opening period, but some hesitation on the part of the forwards in the Japanese half kept the deficit at one goal at a time. Japan, however, took control of the second quarter as they laid siege to the Indian defense in waves.

Excellent stickwork from Vaishnavi Vittal earned India a penalty corner, but she blew a fantastic opportunity to put India ahead following the set play. However, there was a goal on the subsequent penalty corner.

After receiving the ball, Sushila Chanu’s attempt at goal took a deflection and floated over Eika Nakamura of Japan. The Indian side’s nerves were eased by the goal, and Janneke Schopman’s team played some rational hockey to win the game.

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