In a clash that lived up to its billing, India and Japan shared the spoils in a gripping 2-2 draw at the Women’s Asia Cup 2025 in China.
The game had everything early drama, tactical intensity, missed chances, defensive heroics, a late penalty stroke, and a heart-stopping equaliser in the dying seconds. For the neutrals, it was a showcase of Asia’s two most competitive teams trading blows with equal measure of skill and resilience. For India, it was a reminder of their fighting spirit—a refusal to accept defeat even when the clock was stacked against them.
First Quarter: A Stumbling Start
India, led by Salima Tete, walked into the tie full of confidence after their emphatic opening victory. But it was Japan who drew first blood. In the 10th minute, a mishit inside India’s circle turned into a decisive strike, catching goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam off guard. Japan’s goal was the first India conceded in the tournament. Until then, the Indian defence had looked solid, but Japan’s clinical finishing showed why they had dismantled Singapore 9-0 in their opening fixture.
India had a penalty corner almost immediately in response but failed to convert. At the end of the first quarter, Japan led 1-0. Both sides had six circle penetrations each, yet Japan had the all-important edge.
Second Quarter: India Find Their Feet
India grew into the game in the second quarter. Their midfield, led by Vaishnavi Phalke and Jyoti, took control, creating wave after wave of attack. Circle penetrations reflected the momentum shift: India had nine in the second quarter to Japan’s two. Despite earning multiple penalty corners, India found Japan’s defensive structure hard to crack. Time and again, the Japanese backline absorbed pressure.
But persistence paid off. In the 30th minute, just before half-time, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal fired home the equaliser. It was a reward for India’s dominance and injected fresh energy into the contest. At the break, the scoreline read India 1-1 Japan.
Third Quarter: Midfield Battle Intensifies
If the second quarter belonged to India, the third was more evenly balanced. India remained on the front foot, but Japan gradually started to find pockets of space in the midfield. India created half-chances through Navneet Kaur and Lalremsiami, while Salima Tete’s runs down the flanks repeatedly stretched Japan. Yet, the finishing touch eluded them. Japan, meanwhile, nearly punished India with a sharp counter in the 43rd minute, but Bichu Devi stood tall with back-to-back saves.
At the end of the third quarter, the teams were locked at 1-1. Both benches knew the final 15 minutes would decide everything.
Fourth Quarter: A Rollercoaster Ride
The final quarter turned into a dramatic spectacle.
India started aggressively, forcing Japan into defensive errors. However, Japan weathered the storm and grew sharper in transition. With just three minutes left, Japan earned a penalty corner. A subsequent referral turned it into a penalty stroke. Chiko Fujibayashi made no mistake from the spot, coolly converting to give Japan a 2-1 lead in the 58th minute. It looked like heartbreak for India. They had dominated possession, created more chances, but were staring at defeat.
India refused to go quietly. With seconds left, they earned two penalty corners in quick succession but failed to find the equaliser. Japan, sensing victory, threw bodies on the line. But India’s persistence was relentless. Just before the final hooter, they earned another penalty corner. This time, Navneet Kaur stepped up. In a moment of sheer composure, she slotted the ball past the Japanese goalkeeper.
The stadium erupted as the hooter sounded simultaneously India had equalised with the very last play of the game.
The final score: India 2-2 Japan.
Key Performers
- Rutuja Pisal (India): Her 30th-minute equaliser changed the tempo of the match and underlined her growing importance in India’s forward line.
- Navneet Kaur (India): Calm under immense pressure, her last-gasp equaliser will be remembered as one of the moments of the tournament.
- Bichu Devi (India): Celebrating her 50th cap, she made crucial saves in the third and fourth quarters to keep India alive.
- Chiko Fujibayashi (Japan): Her penalty stroke conversion showed class and composure in crunch time.
Tactical Takeaways from the match
- India’s Penalty Corners: Despite creating numerous PCs, India struggled with execution. This is an area that will demand immediate attention as the tournament progresses.
- Japan’s Defensive Solidity: Even under waves of Indian attacks, Japan’s defensive organisation held firm for long stretches. Their ability to transition from defence to attack remains their biggest weapon.
- Midfield Control: India dominated the midfield for large periods, particularly in the second and third quarters, which bodes well for their campaign.
The Bigger Picture
The draw means both teams remain unbeaten in the group stage. With Singapore brushed aside earlier, this was India’s first real test, and they emerged stronger despite not winning. For coach the positives outweigh the negatives: the midfield dominance, the fightback mentality, and the ability to score under pressure. However, issues in penalty corner conversion and occasional defensive lapses will need urgent correction.
The India vs Japan clash at the Women’s Asia Cup 2025 was a fitting advertisement for Asian hockey. It had skill, drama, and two teams pushing each other to the very edge. India may not have won, but their resilience in salvaging a point in the dying moments will inspire confidence for the rest of the tournament. Japan, too, showed their quality and underlined why they remain one of Asia’s strongest sides.
As the dust settles on this classic, one thing is certain: the Women’s Asia Cup has only just begun, and if matches like this are the benchmark, fans can expect a thrilling ride ahead.
Final Score: India 2-2 Japan
- Goals: Rutuja Pisal (30’), Navneet Kaur (60’) – India
- Hiroka Murayama (10’), Chiko Fujibayashi (58’) – Japan
