Indian Women's Hockey Team Advances to Semifinals After Victory Over Japan

The Indian women's hockey team achieved a 3-1 victory over Japan in the Asian Games, securing their spot in the semifinals. Coach Sjoerd Marijne expressed concerns about the team's performance in the final quarter, emphasizing the need for discipline and intensity in upcoming matches. The team has shown impressive scoring ability throughout the tournament, but Marijne highlighted the importance of maintaining focus against stronger opponents. As they prepare for their next match against Singapore, the team aims to build on their successes and improve their execution on the field.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 25, 2026, 14:07 IST

Coach Marijne Reflects on Team's Performance

After the Indian women's hockey team triumphed over Japan with a score of 3-1 in their group stage match at the Asian Games, head coach Sjoerd Marijne shared his concerns regarding the team's performance in the final quarter. He emphasized the significance of competing against high-quality opponents to prepare for the knockout stages. Marijne noted that while the team excelled in the first three quarters, they became 'sloppy' and less energetic, allowing Japan to score in the last quarter. He stressed the need for the team to maintain discipline throughout the match. 'We performed well initially, but the fourth quarter was disappointing. We need to stay focused,' he stated. Despite this, he expressed satisfaction with the numerous scoring opportunities created by the team.

Importance of High-Intensity Matches

The Indian women's hockey team has been on a scoring spree in the tournament, starting with a staggering 19-0 victory against Uzbekistan, where Deepika Sehrawat scored eight goals. They followed this with dominant wins over Indonesia (17-1) and Thailand (20-1), before facing a more challenging opponent in Japan. Marijne pointed out that matches with such high scores often lack intensity, as the opposing teams play defensively. 'Today's match against Japan was crucial for our preparation for the upcoming game against Singapore on September 27 and the semifinals,' he remarked. He is focused on taking it one match at a time, emphasizing the need for consistent performance.

Match Highlights

India established a 2-0 lead by halftime, with Lalremsiami scoring first in the opening quarter, followed by Ishika's goal late in the second quarter. Although Japan managed to contain India's attack for parts of the first half, India maintained control. The third quarter saw India dominate, with Navneet Kaur scoring the third goal by skillfully lifting the ball over the Japanese goalkeeper. Japan responded early in the fourth quarter with a goal from Kobayakawa Shiho, but India held firm to secure a 3-1 victory. This win marks another positive step in India's campaign as they aim for a strong finish at the Asian Games.