HANGZHOU, CHINA — The Indian women’s hockey team has made it to the final of the Asia Cup, where they will play China, the host country, for a spot in the 2026 World Cup. India’s place in the tournament was sealed on Saturday following a dramatic 1-1 draw with Japan, the defending champions, and then a win by China over Korea.
India got off to a good start in the last Super 4 match against Japan when Beauty Dung Dung scored a field goal in the seventh minute. The Indian team’s defense held up for most of the game, but Japan got an equalizer in the 58th minute when Kobayakawa Shiho scored. India’s destiny depended on the conclusion of the last Super 4 match between China and Korea, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Korea has to win their game by at least two goals to get to the final. China, on the other hand, had already guaranteed their place in the final by winning 1-0. This meant that India, who had four points from one win, one tie, and one loss in the Super 4 stage, would move on to the final. China came in first in the Super 4 with nine points from three wins.
The final, which will take place on Sunday, is a very important event. The team that wins will not only be the Asia Cup champion, but they will also get a spot in next year’s World Cup, which will be held in Belgium and the Netherlands. India, who came in third in the 2022 Asia Cup, will be trying to win a big championship and a spot in the world’s most important hockey event.