Defending Champions Team India has secured their position into the finals of Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024 defeating Japan 2-0 in the semi-finals. India's Women's Hockey Team maintained their winning strike in 6 consecutive matches, defeating Malaysia 4-0, South Korea 3-2, Thailand 13-0, Japan 3-0 as well 2-0 in the semi-finals at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium, Bihar. Navneet Kaur (48') and Lalremsiami (56') drove the victory in the last quarter.
India started with a strong attack but their shots were saved by Japan's goalkeeper Yu Kudo. They maintained control but could not score. India earned two penalty corners in the first quarter but failed to touch the net, finishing at 0-0.
In the second quarter, India continued their aggressive play, earning multiple penalty corners. However, Japan struggled to penetrate the Indian defense and managed no circle entries. India earned another penalty corner with six minutes left, but missed the finishing touch, resulting in a goalless first half.
India attempted to score in the third quarter, but Japan's defense remained strong, forcing them to try through penalty corners. Deepika intercepted a ball but missed resulting in a finish with 0-0.
In the last quarter, India managed to break the deadlock with a penalty stroke by Navneet Kaur. Sunelita Toppo blazed the ball past two defenders within 5 minutes and cut the ball back to Lalremsiami who doubled the lead with her stroke. India earned 16 penalty corners during the match, but Japan's goalkeeper Yu Kudo saved 15 of them securing the 'Player of the Match' title for her brilliant performance.
Team India will compete with Team China on 20 November 2024, Wednesday during the Finals of Bihar Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024.
