On a brisk Sunday evening in Rajgir, Bihar, India continued its impressive run in the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024 by defeating Japan with a 3-0 victory. This win assures India’s position at the top of the league table as they gracefully advance to the semifinals. Navneet Kaur scored in the 37th minute with a brilliant backhand strike, while Deepika converted penalty corners in the 52nd and 59th minutes, securing the fifth win in a row at the tournament.
Match started with Early challenges
The match began with India showing more intensity, yet both teams found themselves caught in a few scrappy exchanges during the first quarter. India, persistent in their attack, found it challenging to break through Japan’s disciplined defence initially. The Japanese goalkeeper, Yu Kudo, was tough in the first quarter, thwarting multiple penalty corners from India with great saves.
Navneet and Deepika shine
As the game progressed into the second half, India began to find their rhythm. Navneet Kaur, India’s vice-captain, spearheaded an energetic attack. Her impeccable dribbling skills created important opportunities, leading to India’s first goal with a fine backhand shot in the third quarter. Deepika, known for her unique drag-flicking skills, doubled India’s lead in the early minutes of the fourth quarter with a perfectly angular strike that sailed past Kudo.
Pressure from India and a win
India’s relentless pressure continued, and Deepika once again showed her skills with another powerful drag flick, securing the third goal for India. Japan tried to regroup by making a goalkeeping change as Mizuki Morita replaced Kudo, but India’s high defensive line ensured that Japan posed little threat in attack.
Semifinals of the Asian Champions Trophy
India’s performance was punctuated by efficient penalty corners, with Deepika emerging as a critical player. The team’s strategy to apply pressure and execute disciplined plays paid off, allowing them a convincing victory and a moral boost heading into the semifinals. Navneet Kaur was relentless, with her efforts stifling any potential Japanese counterattacks. Coach Harendra Singh’s vision of a disciplined side was clear, even as the players experimented with new formations during less pressured moments of the match.
As India prepares for the semifinals, they will meet Japan once again, setting the stage for an exciting rematch. The team’s focus will be on maintaining their tactical discipline and enhancing their penalty corner conversions for future matches. Fans eagerly await to see if the team can carry their momentum into the concluding stages of the tournament.
