India will take on Japan in the semi-final of the Asian Games hockey chapter. In the last match of the day, Malaysia needed a draw to pip China to second position in the points table, but that did not happen. Japan, already top of the table, turned the applecart of Malaysia with a clinical 3-1 win. Japan led most part of the game 2-0, but the Malaysian girls bounced back into the game when they struck goal early in the fourth quarter.

Japan did not allow their joy and hope of equalizing for long time. Ten minutes before the full time, Hazuki Nagai converted a penalty corner to dash the hopes of the Malaysians.

On the stands were the Chinese team in full strength, with their entire coaching staff. It was seen them celebrating the match result as soon as it was over.

earlier in the day, India churned out a dull and drab match under hot and humid conditions, but that was enough to post their straight fourth victory. Thailand was beaten lock, stock and barrel for a 5-0 rout, which helped India to hold its top spot in the points table, which they held from day I in Jakarta.

India – China clash will be interesting contest as against possible India-Malaysia one, as India have never lost to Malaysia in the international women’s hockey.