India qualifies for the final after a 1-1 draw with Japan and China’s win over Korea; winner to book spot in 2026 World Cup
India Qualifies for Asia Cup Final Despite Draw Against Japan
The Indian Women’s Hockey Team has qualified for the Asia Cup 2025 final, where they will face hosts China in a high-stakes match on Sunday. The final also doubles as a qualifier for the 2026 Women’s Hockey World Cup to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands.
India’s place in the final was confirmed after a 1-1 draw against defending champions Japan, and China’s narrow 1-0 win over Korea in the final Super 4s fixture in Hangzhou, China.
Asia Cup Super 4s Standings:
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| India | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Japan | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Korea | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
Match Summary: India vs Japan (1-1 Draw)
- Goal (India): Beauty Dung Dung – 7th minute (Field Goal)
- Goal (Japan): Shiho Kobayakawa – 58th minute (Field Goal)
India started strong with Beauty Dung Dung scoring an early goal in the 7th minute. Despite creating several chances and winning penalty corners, India couldn’t extend their lead.
Japan fought back in the final quarter and found the equaliser just two minutes before full-time through Kobayakawa, after a cross from captain Amiru Shimada.
This was the second draw between India and Japan in the tournament — their earlier pool-stage encounter had ended 2-2.
How India Qualified for the Final
Had India beaten Japan, qualification would have been direct. However, after the draw, India needed Korea to not win against China by 2+ goals. China’s 1-0 win meant India clinched second place and earned a spot in the final.
What’s at Stake in the Final
The final between India and China on Sunday is not just about lifting the Asia Cup — the winner will also qualify directly for the 2026 Women’s Hockey World Cup.
India had finished third in the 2022 edition and will look to go all the way under coach Harendra Singh.
Match Highlights:
- India dominated early play; Ishika Chaudhary hit the post in the opening minutes.
- Japan responded with attacks in Q2 but couldn’t convert their penalty corner.
- India regained control in Q3 and created several chances, including multiple penalty corners.
- Japan finally scored in Q4, salvaging a point.
- Both teams shared points, but India advanced thanks to China’s later win.
