The Indian Women Hockey team lost 1-2 to Japan in the Asian Games final and thus could not fulfill the dream of reclaiming the gold after 36 years. It was yet another heartbreak for Indian hockey as the Men’s team has already lost their semifinal clash against Malaysia and will now fight for bronze against Pakistan.
The Indians started as favourites but Japan played a brilliant defensive structure. India has had more possession and shots on goal but Japan took the lead in the 11th minute when Minami Shimizu converted their first penalty corner.
India, however, pressed hard and got the equaliser in the 25th minute through the shot of Neha Goyal.
But the Japanese did not lose their focus and restored their lead through another penalty corner conversion by skipper Motomi Kawamura in the 44th minute. India desperately searched for moves upwards but the Japanese were too good in possession.The final whistle blew and Japan won the gold.
