NEW DELHI: India demonstrated their superiority by defeating Japan 3-1 to reach the Women's Junior Asia Cup hockey tournament final in Muscat on June 3.
The Indian team's goals came from Mumtaz Khan (4th), Sakshi Rana (5th), and Deepika (13th) in the opening quarter, whilst Japan managed to score through Niko Maruyama in the 23rd minute.
Under Jyoti Singh's leadership, India dominated the first quarter, with Sunelita Toppo effectively defending against Japan's drag-flick attempt in the second minute.
The initial goal resulted from a Japanese defensive lapse. A right-wing move saw Japanese defenders and goalkeeper advance, but the ball reached an open Mumtaz Khan, who guided it into an unguarded net.
Sakshi Rana doubled the advantage shortly after with another field goal.
India's midfield created another promising opportunity in the seventh minute, but the forwards failed to capitalise inside the circle.
The defending champions showed improvement from their earlier group stage defeat to China, implementing swift counterattacks to surprise their opponents.
A penalty stroke opportunity arose with two minutes left in the first quarter, which Deepika successfully converted for a 3-0 lead.
The second quarter saw improved Japanese resistance, with several circle penetrations, though India's defence remained solid.
Japanese keeper Saito Miaki displayed excellent goalkeeping, preventing India's fourth goal in the 22nd minute and later saving a penalty corner attempt.
Japan managed to score through a counter-attack in the 23rd minute and threatened to reduce the deficit further towards the end of the second quarter.
India continued attacking, primarily through the right wing, but faced strong Japanese defensive clearances, maintaining the 3-1 scoreline at half-time.
Post-interval, India adopted a more conservative approach following Japan's second-quarter resurgence, facing defensive tests in the 34th and 42nd minutes.
The fourth quarter proved challenging for India, with goalkeeper Nidhi making crucial consecutive saves in the 46th minute as Japan sought to reduce the deficit.
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