Indian Women’s Hockey Team suffers 0-4 defeat to China in Asian Games semi-finals

The Indian women’s hockey team suffered a 0-4 defeat against China in the 1st Semifinal of the Asian Games held on Thursday.

Despite creating multiple scoring opportunities, India was unable to find the back of the net, while China secured victory with goals from Jiaqi Zhong (25’), Meirong Zou (40’), Meiyu Liang (55’), and Bingfeng GU (60’).

The match began with China swiftly penetrating deep into India’s territory, immediately putting pressure on India’s defense. China earned the first Penalty Corner of the game, but India’s Captain and goalkeeper, Savita, made a crucial save to deny China an early lead.

Simultaneously, the Indian team attempted to assert control by applying pressure on China and executing quick passes. However, China continued to display its attacking prowess, maintaining pressure on India. India’s defense held strong, preventing China from capitalizing on their chances.

The second quarter saw China continue their relentless attacks, earning an early penalty corner. Despite this opportunity, Savita once again thwarted China’s attempt with a crucial save.

However, China eventually broke the deadlock when Jiaqi Zhong’s (25’) penalty corner shot deflected off Nikki Pradhan’s foot and crossed the goal line, giving China a 1-0 lead.

China continued to dominate India, and the first half ended with a 1-0 lead in favor of China.

In the third quarter, India escalated their efforts to find an equalizer. Despite winning consecutive penalty corners, India was unable to capitalize as Deep Grace Ekka’s shot inside the goal was deemed dangerous.

The penultimate quarter concluded with China maintaining a 2-0 lead.

In a bid to stage a comeback, India attacked relentlessly in the fourth and final quarter. However, it was China that found the back of the net once again, this time through a counter-attack. Meiyu Liang (55’) penetrated India’s defense at the left flank and scored off a rebound, extending China’s lead.

In the dying minutes of the match, China added another goal as Bingfeng GU (60’) converted a penalty corner, sealing a 4-0 victory.

With this triumph, China secured a place in the tournament’s final, while India is set to compete against either Korea or Japan in the Bronze medal match on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 13:30 hrs IST.

India will now face the loser of the Korea vs. Japan match in the battle for the Bronze medal.

-IANS