Asia Cup women hockey: Determined India look to continue winning run against Korea in Super 4 match

HANGZHOU: Unbeaten so far in the tournament, a determined Indian women’s hockey team will look to continue its impressive run when it plays against South Korea in its first Super 4 stage match of the Asia Cup here on Wednesday.

India started its Asia Cup campaign with a bang, thrashing Thailand 11-0, before settling for a 2-2 draw against Japan. The Indians then mauled Singapore 12-0 in their last match to top Pool B ahead of Japan on the basis of goal difference.

India will look to carry forward the momentum as it bids to win the title and qualify for next year’s World Cup to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands.

World No. 10 India will start as favourite against Korea, ranked 12th in the FIH chart. After Korea, India will take on title contender China on Thursday before facing Japan on Saturday.

Forwards Navneet Kaur and Mumtaz Khan have been in stellar form, scoring five goals each in the pool stage, and the duo will be expected to continue their scoring touch as the team battles for a spot in the final.

Navneet, Mumtaz and Lalremsiami were simply uncontrollable against Singapore as they utilised the chances that came their way. Navneet and Mumtaz dazzled with a hat-trick each in the 12-0 thrasing of Singapore.

Midfielders Neha, Udita, Sharmila and and Rutuja Pisal also shown bright for the team.

The Super 4 stage will see India, China, Japan, and South Korea play against each other once. The top two sides will qualify for the final, while the other two will play for 3rd/4th place.

India entered the Super 4 stage on the back of a strong momentum, while South Korea managed two wins and a loss in the pool stage.

Significantly, in the last five meetings between the two teams, India has won three times, while Korea has managed one victory. One match ended in a draw.

India, thus, will have the psychological edge.

India coach Harendra Singh is happy with his side’s performance in the pool stage.

“We are pleased with the way the team has started the tournament. The players have shown good intent, maintained discipline, and capitalised on our attacking opportunities,” he said.

He said the team’s focus will be on sticking to its structure, defensive sharpness and converting chances in front of opposition goal.

“We know that in this stage there is little room for error, so consistency and composure will be key,” he said.

“The players are motivated, they understand the responsibility of wearing the Indian jersey, and they are eager to continue the momentum. If we play to our potential and trust our process, I am confident we can achieve the results we are aiming for,” Harendra added.

India’s biggest threat remains world no.4 China whom they will face for the first time in the Super 4 stage and possibly in the final.

Harendra’s biggest task would be to plot a plan to get the better of the Chinese, a potent side in women’s world hockey.