India women humble Japan 3-1 in hockey, semis in sight
India continued their impressive run in the women's hockey competition, beating hosts Japan 3-1 on Friday to make it four wins in a row and move closer to securing a place in the semifinals. Lalremsiami gave India an early lead in the fifth minute before Ishika Chaudhary doubled the advantage just before half-time.
Navneet Kaur then added a third six minutes into the second half, while Japan pulled one back through Shiho Kobayakawa in the final quarter.India will complete their Pool B campaign against Singapore on Sunday.
The result extends what has been a dominant start to the competition. India began with a 19-0 demolition of Uzbekistan, followed that with a 17-1 win over Indonesia and then thrashed Thailand 20-1 to establish themselves at the top of the group.
India wasted little time taking control against Japan, with Lalremsiami converting a field goal in the fifth minute. The visitors continued to press forward, although Japan's defence did well to absorb the pressure.
The hosts created a few openings of their own but struggled to find a way through India's organised backline.
India's penalty-corner execution was less convincing, with only one of their first five opportunities producing a goal. However, they earned three more in quick succession towards the end of the opening half, and Ishika eventually converted from a rebound after Navneet's initial attempt was kept out.
India carried that momentum into the third quarter and added another in the 36th minute. Navneet produced a superb finish after some clever stickwork created the opening, putting India three goals ahead.
The Indian defence was particularly effective during the third quarter, repeatedly intercepting Japan's attacks and restricting the hosts' time inside the circle.
Japan finally found a breakthrough early in the final quarter. Kobayakawa unleashed a powerful tomahawk from the top of the circle in the 46th minute, beating veteran goalkeeper Savita to reduce the deficit.
India had another penalty corner four minutes later but could not convert it. Japan then earned a late opportunity of their own, but India's defence held firm to see out the contest and secure another win.- Ends
