The Indian women's hockey team rallied from behind twice to secure a 2-2 draw against Japan in their second Asia Cup 2025 match at the Gongshu Canal Sports Park Hockey Field in Hangzhou, China on September 8. The goals for India, who are ranked 10th in the world, were crucial equalisers scored by Rutuja Dadaso Pisal in the 30th minute and Navneet Kaur in the 60th minute. Japan, the defending champions and ranked 12th, saw their goals come from Hiroka Murayama in the 10th minute and Chiko Fujibayashi in the 58th minute.
India women's hockey team hold Japan to 2-2 draw in Asia Cup
With this result, India remains undefeated in the tournament, having previously won their opening match against Thailand with a dominant 11-0 score. The tournament format will see the top two teams from each pool advance to the Super 4s, which will ultimately determine the finalists. India is competing in Pool B alongside Japan, Thailand, and Singapore.
India started the match with quick attacks, but Japan's defense held firm. Japan's persistence paid off when Hiroka Murayama scored the first goal, completing a sweeping move to put her team ahead 1-0. Japan maintained their lead and successfully kept India from scoring for the rest of the first quarter.
After halftime, India went on the offensive in search of an equalizer, but Japan's defense held firm. However, in the final moments of the first half, India broke through when Rutuja Dadaso Pisal scored, leveling the game at 1-1 as the teams went into the break.
Both teams took a cautious approach at the start of the second half, careful not to give up momentum. India, having finished the first half strong, was keen to take the lead, but Japan's disciplined defense prevented any breakthroughs. The third quarter remained a back-and-forth battle, and the score remained tied at 1-1 heading into the final quarter.
In the final quarter, both sides intensified their attacks in pursuit of a game-winning goal. Japan's pressure paid off first when they were awarded a penalty stroke just a few minutes before the end of the match. Chiko Fujibayashi converted the stroke, giving Japan a 2-1 lead with very little time left. Despite the late setback, India pushed hard for a late equalizer, and they found it in the final moments of the game. Navneet Kaur scored from a penalty corner, securing a 2-2 draw just before the final whistle. The teams shared the points, and India will now face Singapore in their next match on Monday, September 8.