Yu kudo

Asian Champions Trophy: The Indian women’s hockey team defeated Japan 3-0 in their last group stage match of the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024 here at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium on Sunday. The defending champions have finished on top of the table without dropping a single point and confirmed their rematch with Japan, who finished fourth on the table, in the semi-final on November 19.

Japan showcased exemplary defence in the first half of the game but second half goals from Navneet Kaur (37’) and Deepika (47’, 48’) sealed India’s victory.

India began the game with a slow, patient buildup, pushing Japan back. They dominated possession in Japan’s half but struggled to create significant chances until Deepika drew a foul in the circle, earning a penalty corner with six minutes left in the first quarter. Despite her powerful low flick, Japanese keeper Yu Kudo made a strong save. As the quarter came to a close, India showed a sense of urgency; Manisha and Neha combined to secure another penalty corner, but they failed to capitalise, and the first quarter ended goalless.