India out of FIH Women’s Champions Challenge 1

India crashed out in the quarter-finals of the FIH Women’s Champions Challenge 1 hockey tournament, losing 0-1 to Japan at Dublin, Ireland today. After a barren first half, Aki Mitsuhashi scored the winner for Japan in the 64th minute.

The match was well contested with both teams displaying a degree of caution.

In the second half, the Indian forwards made repeated forays into the Japanese striking circle but the forwardline of Rani, captain Saba Anjum and Jasjit Kaur Handa could not get the better of an alert Sakiyo Asano in front of the opposition goal.

Japan, however, scored the all-important goal in a swift turnover through Mitsuhasl, who pushed home the ball past Indian custodian Yogita Bali after she was set up by Keiko Manabe’s perfect pass from the midfield.

Japan will face Spain in the semi-finals, while the Indian eves will be up against South Africa tomorrow in the first of two classification matches for 5-8 positions. — PTI