Asian Games 2018: India lose to Japan, settle for silver 

The Indian women produced a spirited performance but fell short of winning the final against Japan at the Asian Games 2018 played at Jakarta, Indonesia on Friday. Despite India earning many chances, they could not convert them into goals.

In the first quarter, the Japanese team attacked the Indian team with aggression and put the Indian defence on the backfoot. India got a penalty corner as Gurjit Kaur's shot was well blocked by the Japan goalkeeper. Japan got an early lead in the 11th minute with a brilliant penalty corner shot by Shihori Oikawa. At the end of the first quarter, Japan led 1-0.

The second quarter was a better one for the Indians who played good hockey. Both the teams played good hockey. In the 25th minute, a brilliant pass by Navneet to Neha Goyat, who was left unmarked, levelled the scores at 1-1. At the end of the first half, the scores were level at 1-1.

In the third quarter, the Indian team played much more attacking hockey, putting pressure on the Japanese defence. Apart from the Indians missing chances, the Japan team defence was solid.

Japan also got a chance to score a goal but was well saved by the Indian goalkeeper. In the 44th minute, Japan earned a penalty corner and Kawamura scored a penalty corner into a goal to give a Japan 2-1 lead. At the end of the 3rd quarter, Japan led 2-1.

The Indians showed aggression in the 4th quarter but missed chances of scoring goals. In the last 5 minutes, the Japanese team wasted time, not allowing the Indian team get the ball.

India should have got a penalty corner in the last 40 seconds, but was not awarded. Monika missed a chance of scoring the goal. Japan won the match by 2-1 and earned a direct qualification in Olympics 2020.

It was a great performance by the Indian team to win a sliver after they won a bronze medal at the 2014 Asian Games at Incheon.