Indian Women’s Hockey Team Bags Silver at Asia Cup 2025 Final in China
The Indian women’s hockey team put up a brave fight but settled for the silver medal at the Women’s Asia Cup 2025 in Hangzhou, China. They lost 1-4 to the host nation in a thrilling final on September 14. Navneet Kaur scored India’s lone goal, while China’s captain Ou Zixia (21st minute), Li Hong (40th), Zou Meirong (51st), and Zhong Jiaqi (53rd) lit up the scoreboard for the winners.
Right from the start, India grabbed the lead in the very first minute. Veteran forward Navneet Kaur smashed home a penalty corner with a powerful strike, sending the Indian fans into cheers. It was a dream opening against the home crowd.
China didn’t back down. Trailing by one, they ramped up the pressure in the first half, launching fierce attacks. In the 4th minute, they earned their first penalty corner, but Indian defender Sunelita Toppo blocked it on the goalline, and goalkeeper Bichu Devi made a stunning save. China got another chance in the 15th minute, yet India’s first rusher stopped them cold.
The second quarter kept the intensity high. China won a penalty corner in the 17th minute, but Bichu Devi stood tall with another key save. She shone again in the 20th minute during open play. Finally, in the 21st minute, China broke through—captain Ou Zixia nailed a penalty corner to level the score at 1-1. Both teams went into halftime with everything still on the line.
India came out firing in the third quarter, pinning China back and making repeated raids into the circle to regain the lead. But it was China who struck next. In the 40th minute, India won a penalty corner but lost the ball after failing to convert. China pounced on the counterattack, and Li Hong dashed forward with a solo run. Her back-handed shot zipped into the bottom right corner, putting China ahead 2-1.
The fourth quarter turned tough for India as China pulled away with two quick goals. In the 51st minute, Ying Zhang threaded a perfect pass to Zou Meirong, who finished with a first-touch strike right in front of the goal for the third score. Just two minutes later, Zhong Jiaqi burst down the right flank, cut inside, and slotted her shot past Bichu Devi to seal China’s 4-1 victory.
Despite the loss, India’s spirited performance earned them a well-deserved silver medal in the Women’s Asia Cup 2025. The team showed grit and skill throughout the tournament, highlighting the growing strength of Indian women’s hockey on the continental stage.
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