India have clinched a spot in the women’s hockey semifinal of the 2026 Asian Games in Kakamigahara after they beat hosts Japan 3-1 in the Pool B game on Friday. It was India’s fourth win of the four in the series and their qualification in knockout round was sealed off while they still needed to finish one game from Singapore in a pool round.
Lalremsiami Gives India Early Advantage
India started well and then turned down the screws on Japan with a blistering attack. Lalremsiami struck first in the fifth minute, giving India a head-start with 1-0.Lalremsiami took the lead in the fifth minute before India took the battle in their own hands.
The Indian side still found chances and hung around the inside of Japan’s defense. Eventually in their attacking structure, they got another breakthrough just before half-time and Ishika Chaudhhary took it in the 30th minute to put India 2-0 up.
Navneet Kaur Extends India’s Lead
India continued their attacking streak in the third, with Navneet Kaur hitting an important third from the very beginning of the second half to build on. The strike helped India put themselves up for three goals while putting the pressure on Japan heading into the final 45 minutes.
During the fourth quarter, the level of response by Japan was strong. It was not until the 46th minute of the second half did Shiho Kobayakawa answer the prayers of the home side with a tomahawk to put the Japanese side in the lead 3-1. India, though, did not get rattled and continued to keep their edge till the last hooter.
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India’s Unbeaten Run Continues
The outcome was the first win of India in their Pool B run. India had scored a total of five goals through three emphatic matches against Uzbekistan, Indonesia and Thailand before the Japan game. The win over Japan was their fourth successive victory.
India is slated to finish their pool stage campaign with the match against Singapore on September 27. Final Pool A and Pool B rankings will determine who gets an appearance in the semifinals. The women’s hockey semifinals will be held at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Kakamigahara on September 30.
FAQs
Has India defeated Japan in Hockey (women)?
Yes. India’s victory against Japan 3-1 in their Pool B clash of the 2026 Asian Games.
Who was the first player to score for Japan?
Japan’s only goal came from Shiho Kobayakawa in the fourth quarter.
Is India in the semi-finals of hockey?
Yes. India has secured their place in the semi-final with a four wicket victory over them in Pool B.
