Asian Games 2026: Indian Women's Hockey team beats Japan 3-1, enter semis

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The Indian women’s hockey team continued their impressive run at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, defeating Japan 3-1 in a Pool B encounter on Thursday to officially book a place in the semi-finals.

India established a comfortable 2-0 lead heading into the half-time interval. Forward Lalremsiami broke the deadlock with a sharp strike from open play during the opening quarter, before Ishika doubled the advantage just before the close of the second quarter. Although Japan absorbed periods of pressure and limited India’s attacking rhythm early on, India remained clinical inside the circle to seize control.

Indian team’s dominant third quarter against Japan

India turned up the intensity after the break and dominated the third quarter. Navneet Kaur added a brilliant third goal, collecting a pass inside the circle, shifting toward the right, and executing a delicate scoop over the Japanese goalkeeper into the far corner to make it 3-0.

Japan fought back early in the final period when Kobayakawa Shiho struck a powerful backhand from the top of the circle past veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia. However, the Indian defence held firm, sealing a 3-1 victory and enjoying another successful outing.

This hockey triumph capped off a successful day for the Indian delegation at the 2026 Asian Games, which featured a gold and a silver medal alongside strong runs in other disciplines. Shooters Kamaljeet and Suruchi Inder Singh clinched gold in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, while APS Tomar, Rudrankksh Patil, and Niraj Kumar claimed silver in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions team category.

In table tennis, Diya Chitale and Manush Shah guaranteed a medal by advancing to the mixed doubles semi-finals, while Yashaswini Ghorpade progressed in the women’s singles. Squash pair Joshana Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar similarly booked a semifinal berth. Meanwhile, Indian athletes put in competitive shifts across badminton, swimming, canoe sprint, fencing, and athletics to round out a packed day of action.

Indian mixed doubles shooting pair Suruchi Singh and Kamaljeet won the country’s second gold medal of the Asian Games, winning the 10m air pistol mixed team event.

The Indian duo posted a combined total of 484.6 points in the gold medal match to defeat South Korea, who settled for silver with 478.0 points. Iran captured the bronze medal after scoring 415.8 points, while Indonesia finished on 349.4 points and bowed out. 

(With inputs from ANI)

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