FIH Women’s World Cup 2022: India End Campaign With 3-1 Win Over Japan

By Bibhu Ray

(The Quiver) : Navneet Kaur’s brace helped India to secure 3-1 win over Japan in the Hockey World Cup on Wednesday. Deep Grace Ekka scored the other goal while Yu Asai scored the only one for the Japanese Women.

This was India’s final match as they ended the campaign on a disappointing note, finishing ninth position.The opening five minutes of the game were evenly matched, but neither team was able to score. Soon after, India had their first significant opportunity, but Japan’s Eika Nakamura rejected Vandana Katariya’s close-range shot. For the rest of the quarter, both teams continued to play.

However, the score line remained goaless.India had a strong second-quarter start and even received two consecutive opportunities. They failed to capitalize on it. Then, almost against the flow of play, Japan took the lead in the 20th minute when she successfully converted a penalty corner.India received their first PC (Penalty Corner) of the game as well, but they were unsuccessful in getting back to the net. At the stroke of halftime, Kaur’s field goal at the stroke of half time gave the side its first taste of triumph as they worked hard to get the equalizer.

However, failing to score in the 6th PC, Deep Grace Kaur made sure they score in the 7th one, as she gave India the lead in the 38th minute of the game. From there on, India continued to apply pressure on the Japanese women to score goal.

Finally, Kaur was able to extend the lead for the Indian team as she scored in the 45th minute. Despite Japan’s efforts for a comeback, the Indian defence was determined and saw off the game to secure a win.