New Delhi, 19 April 2015: It was a day which will go down in the history of Indian Women hockey as the team went on to beat the higher seeded FIH ranked team Japan in the classification match of the Hawkes’s Bay Cup. By this win India has been successful in consecutively beating them, the last being the 17th Asian Games wherein both the teams met to play for the Bronze medal finish. Today’s clash was for the 7th / 8th position resulted in an exciting clash as both the teams were looking at signing off the tournament on a winning note. While Japan started off strong by a two goal lead vis a vis India’s unopened account, India bounced back into the game and won the match 3-2 leaving the opponents stunned.
Right into the game Japan made their intent clear by making the initial attack. It reaped benefits just four minutes into the game as a field effort by Mie Nakashima who put the ball into the nets leaving India trailing 0-1. India in the remaining session was seen entering the opponents semi-circle and creating opportunities but all efforts turned futile as Japan held them at bay. The end of first quarter’s play ended in favour of Japan at 1-0.
The second quarter got exciting as both the teams successfully scored a goal each. But this did not help India’s efforts as they were still trailing the game 1-2 at the end of first half. The teams in the session continued looking at the opportunities and stamp their dominance on the game. With good ball possession India maintained the pressure on Japan. But India got a double blow as Japan with a penalty corner did no mistake in finding the nets, coming from the stick of Yukari Yamamoto. India right after Japan’s second goal, increased their tempo of attack and in the 28th minute they found success when they broke the shackles of Japan’s defence and Sushila Pukhrambam slammed the ball past the goalie to open the account for India. End of first half Japan was still leading the game 2-1.
India was seen attempting to equalize the game in the third quarter but were unable to capitalize. India on their part even ensured that they did not allow Japan to score further which would mean the game slipping from their hands. The third session proved to be a dry run and the last fifteen minutes being very important for India as they had to ensure that they score and win the match.
The 4th quarter got good news for India as they scored two consecutive goals in a matter of three minutes. Keeping their spirits high the Indian girls started the last quarter with great speed. The intentions were clear, they wanted to win. Just minutes left into the game and Japan were almost sure that they would end the tournament with a win that’s when India struck. 54th minute and Deepika scored though a brilliant field goal and equalizing the game. The goal meant Japan lost the hold in the game and they had to strike back and for India it meant they have a chance to go one-up. 57th minute India scored the winning goal as this time it was Rani who smartly deflected the ball into the nets leaving Japan astounded. This helped India win the match 3-2 and settle for the 7th position in the tournament.