Japan vs India Live Updates, FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup 2025-26: Japan equalise almost immediately from PC; 1-1 now
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After a superb comeback win in their opening match, the Indian women’s hockey team face Japan in their second match in Pool A at the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2025-26.
With just eight teams divided into two pools of four teams each, a victory against New Zealand will guarantee India a place in the semi-finals.
Sjoerd Marijne’s side had to fight back from two goals behind to defeat United States in their first match. However, they will be confident of a better show from the start against the World No. 14 Japan.
India, ranked World No. 9, are the favourites to top Pool A and will hope to do with a clean record. Uruguay is the other team in Pool A.
How India fought back from behind to defeat USA
The Indian women’s hockey team staged a remarkable comeback from two goals down to defeat the United States 3-2 in their opening Pool A match of the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup on Sunday at the North Harbour National Hockey Centre in Auckland.
For India, Deepika netted a brace and Navneet Kaur scored a goal, while Ashley Sessa and Madeleine Zimmer were on the scoresheet for the USA.
Deepika, who marked a stunning return to the Indian team with a brace, was also awarded the Player of the Match.
The USA got off to a great start and opened the scoring through Ashley Sessa (4′), who found the back of the net with a field goal in the fourth minute. The Americans doubled their advantage just three minutes later when Madeleine Zimmer (7′) converted a penalty corner to put India under early pressure.
Trailing by two goals, India gradually began to assert themselves in attack. Their efforts paid off in the second quarter when drag-flick specialist Deepika (17′) successfully converted a penalty corner to reduce the deficit and bring India back into the game.
The momentum continued to swing in India’s favour as they earned another penalty corner midway through the quarter. Deepika (24′) stepped up once again and successfully converted another penalty corner to level the score at 2-2.
India maintained the pressure and completed a stunning turnaround before halftime. Navneet Kaur (28′) converted a penalty corner to hand India the lead for the first time in the match, ensuring the team entered the break with a 3-2 advantage.
The second half saw both teams battle intensely in search of goals. Both sides earned six penalty corners each over the course of the match, but neither defence allowed any further breakthroughs in the remaining two quarters.
India successfully held on to their advantage in the closing stages to secure all three points and begin their Nations Cup campaign on a winning note. Following the victory, India moved to second place in Pool A with three points, level with Japan, who lead the standings on goal difference.
Where and when will Japan vs India match take place at FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2025-26?
The Pool A match will be played at the North Harbour Hockey Stadium in Auckland on June 16 (Tuesday). It is scheduled to begin at 6:30 am IST.
What is the overall head-to-head record between India and Japan in women’s hockey?
According to FIH website, India and Japan have clashed 36 times in women’s hockey. The former leads with 16 victories while five matches have ended in draws.
How have India performed so far in FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2025-26?
India started their campaign with a comeback win against the United States, defeating them 302 after being 0-2 behind at one stage. They are second in Pool A currebtly behind Japan.
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