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The Indian women's hockey team suffered their first loss of the Asia Cup 2025, falling 1-4 to hosts China in a Super 4s match on September 11. Mumtaz Khan (38’) scored the sole goal for India, while Zou Meirong (4’, 56’), Chen Yang (31’), and Tan Jinzhuang (47’) scored for China.
Indian Women's Hockey team goes down to China 1-4
India's finishing was a major concern, as they failed to convert any of their three penalty corners. The first quarter was lively, with both teams creating good scoring opportunities. However, China managed to secure an early lead in the 4th minute when a rebound landed in front of Meirong, who easily scored on the empty net. India was awarded their first penalty corner in the 10th minute but couldn't get past the Chinese defense.
The second quarter was also a back-and-forth affair, but neither team could find the net. In the final five minutes of the quarter, India ramped up the pressure on the Chinese defense, maintaining possession in a determined effort to score their first goal. They were awarded a penalty corner in the 27th minute, but once again, they failed to convert, ending the half a goal behind.
China extended their lead to 2-0 in the very first minute of the third quarter. India's defense made a costly error, giving the ball away inside their own circle to an unmarked Chen Yang, who capitalized with a simple finish. China also had a chance from a penalty corner, their first of the day, but the shot went wide of the goal.
India finally broke through in the 38th minute with a stunning field goal from Mumtaz Khan. Lalremsiami passed the ball to Mumtaz at the edge of the circle, who then launched a powerful back-handed shot to score. Shortly after, China's Zou Meirong fired a close-range shot, but India's goalkeeper, Bichu Devi, showed excellent reflexes to make a crucial save.
China began the final quarter with a strong offensive push, quickly adding another goal. In the 47th minute, Tan Jinzhuang converted a penalty corner with a deflection off an Indian defender's stick. Zou Meirong then sealed the victory for China with her second field goal in the 56th minute, securing her team a spot in the tournament final. India will now face Japan in their third Super 4s match on Friday, September 12, where they will need a win to secure a spot in the final and a chance at a rematch against the hosts for the title.
Here's India's Women's Asia Cup final qualification scenario
Following their 1-4 loss to China, India face a critical final match in the Asia Cup. With the Super 4s nearing a conclusion, the final spot in the championship is up for grabs.
As of now, China have already secured a place in the final with six points from two matches. This leaves India, Korea, and Japan to compete for the single remaining spot. Currently, India is in second place with three points, while Japan and Korea are tied with one point each after a 1-1 draw on Thursday.
India’s destiny is in its own hands; a win against Japan in their final Super 4s match on Saturday will guarantee their spot in the final. The two teams previously drew 2-2 in the group stage, so the match is expected to be a tough contest. If India wins, they will move to six points, eliminating both Japan and Korea from contention. The top two teams from the Super 4s will advance to the final, with the winner also securing a spot in the next year's World Cup.
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