India women's hockey team suffered a major heartbreak after going down to Japan 1-0 in the FIH Hockey Olympics Qualifiers' third-place playoff match which cost them a berth in Paris Games 2023. Savita Punia's India needed a victory to keep their Paris Olympics' qualification hopes alive after facing a dramatic defeat to Germany in semifinals. But India's hockey team failed to turn their fortunes around and lost to resurgent Japan in the do-or-die match. With this Japan stapled their spot in the Paris Olympics 2024.
JIn the eight-nation tournament, only the top three hockey teams earn a spot at the upcoming Summer Games, set to take place in France later this year. The USA and Germany have already clinched their spots by advancing to the final.
In a closely contested game against the Indian women's hockey team, Kana Urata (6’) scored the decisive goal for Japan.
Initially, Japan was the more assertive team, putting the Indian defence under pressure. Indian goalkeeper Savita Punia made a key save just before the clock hit a minute, and Salima Tete's daring block thwarted Japan's first penalty corner attempt.
However, the Indian defence faltered when Japan secured their second penalty corner in the fifth minute. Kana Urata powerfully struck the ball past Savita, securing a lead for her team.
Stirred by this goal, India intensified their offensive efforts, creating a couple of promising chances, but neither Deepika nor Lalremsiami could find the target. Meanwhile, Japan also had two excellent chances to increase their lead, but Savita and the defensive team executed crucial blocks to prevent further goals.
Entering the second quarter with determination, India faced a solid Japanese defence, particularly led by Shihori Oikawa, which challenged the Indian attackers. The host team managed to win two penalty corners during this period, but both were effectively defended, leaving Japan ahead 1-0 as the first half concluded.
Following the interval, India increased their pressure on Japan and nearly scored an equalizer from a penalty corner in the third quarter's midpoint. Deepika's powerful shot seemed bound for the goal, but Japanese goalkeeper Eika Nakamura impressively deflected it onto the crossbar.
Right after this, Ishika Chaudhary made an outstanding goal-line clearance, preventing Japan from scoring off another penalty corner. In the last moments of the quarter, India earned a series of penalty corners, yet Japan's excellent defense maintained their narrow lead.
With their chances of qualifying for Paris 2024 at stake, the Indian women's hockey team relentlessly attacked Japan in the final quarter. Despite these efforts, Japan's robust defensive strategy successfully preserved their lead and secured their spot in the Olympics.
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