K. ARUMUGAM

Salima Tete’s India continued its uninterrupted victory run in the Bihar Women’s Champions Trophy today also, winning its fifth encounter rather comfortably. Japan put up a fight only in the first half before succumbing to Indian strike power in the next.  India took over the second half with all round domination. Brilliance of Navneet Kaur set the goal rolling. She managed to effect strong forehand amidst a maze of legs and sticks to score and then Deepika, who has certainly emerged as the real ‘Gudia’ — the mascot name — with addition of a brace through penalty corner conversion.

With all win record India topped the pool, while Japan finished fourth as was its ranking before the match started today. India thus will again meet Japan on Tuesday in the semifinal whereas Malaysia will taken on China on the other.

Japan showcased exemplary defence in the first half of the game but beautiful goals from Navneet Kaur (37’) and Deepika (47’, 48’) helped India to overcome that in the next.

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 capitalize, and the first quarter ended goalless.

Japan started the second quarter with more ball control, probing India’s shooting circle but unable to find a way through their defense. Both teams traded circle entries, but no clear goalscoring opportunities emerged until India earned a penalty corner five minutes before the halftime whistle. The Japanese defense, however, scrambled to make several close-range saves. As the half drew to a close, Japan took the initiative and pushed India back into their shooting circle, but the Indian defense held firm, keeping the scoreline at 0-0.

India began the third quarter on the front foot. Lalremsiami drove through the center and passed to Salima Tete, who quickly relayed it to Deepika. However, her tame shot was easily cleared away. Despite India’s dominance, Japan remained unfazed until Navneet Kaur took matters into her own hands with eight minutes left in the quarter. She picked up the ball at the top of the shooting circle and unleashed a reverse shot while dashing towards the left corner, catching Japanese keeper Yu Kudo off guard and breaking the deadlock. Japan then stepped out of their defensive setup in search of an equalizer, making the game more end-to-end. However, neither team managed to create a clear goalscoring chance, and India ended the third quarter leading 1-0.

The last quarter kicked off with a penalty corner for India. On the third retake, Deepika unleashed a powerful low flick towards the right post, doubling India’s lead. India pressed their advantage and earned another penalty corner in the very next minute. This time, Deepika powered the ball over the keeper and into the goal, making it 3-0 in India’s favour. From there, India took complete control of the match, ensuring they ended the group stage with yet another victory.

India will meet Japan in the semifinal on Tuesday. Tomorrow is rest day for the tournament.

Photo courtesy: Hockey India.