The Indian women’s hockey team continued its splendid run to stun defending champions Japan 4-2 in the semi-final of the Asia Cup hockey tournament in Kakamigahara, Japan today.
Two goals from Gurjit Kaur and one goal each from Navjot Kaur and Lalremsiami ensured India’s entry into Sunday’s final where they will face China. India had earlier defeated an unpredictable China 4-1 in the league stage of the tournament.
Against Japan, the Indians got off to a rollicking start by earning back-to-back penalty corners to put pressure on the host nation. Gurjit Kaur gave India a 1-0 lead in the seventh minute. Two minutes later, Navjot Kaur doubled India’s lead.
Almost immediately, India won a penalty corner and Gurjit was yet again on target as she gave India a commanding 3-0 in no time.
Japan unleashed a well-coordinated attack on the Indian defence and Shiho Tsujii went past Indian custodian Savita in the 17th minute. Yui Ishibashi gave India jitters when she scored another field goal in the 28th minute.
