By Admin 
Asia cup 2025: India’s dream of winning the title of women’s hockey team in the final of Women’s Asia Cup Hockey 2025 remained incomplete. The host China defeated India 4–1 by performing a strong performance. The Indian team was seen in a great rhythm throughout the tournament and the journey to reach the final was capable, but in the decisive match, the team could not maintain their rhythm and lagged behind in the second half.
India’s great start
The beginning of the final match was full of expectations for the Indian team. In the very first minute of the match, India got to do a penalty corner. Taking advantage of this, veteran forward Navneet Kaur put the ball into the net by applying a magnificent drag flick. With this goal, India took an initial lead and the entire stadium was filled with enthusiasm. Navneet’s shot was an excellent example of strength and accuracy.
Even after this, the Indian defense showed the best game in the initial quarters. Goalkeeper Bichu Devi and defender Sunelitha Topappo maintained the lead by stopping China’s attacks on several occasions. However, China finally succeeded in the 21st minute, putting continuous pressure on the Indian team. Captain Ou Gixia converted the penalty corner to the score 1-1 and the match remained on par for half time.
China dominates in second half
In the third quarter, India once again showed strength. The team several times entered the opposition circle and tried to score goals, but the Indian women’s team thwarted their efforts. India also received a penalty corner in the 40th minute, but the team failed to convert it into a goal. Soon after this, China quickly attacked the counter. Lee Hong defeated the goalkeeper by putting a brilliant back-hand shot and gave China a 2–1 lead.
This magnificent goal of Lee Hong proved to increase the pressure on India. In the fourth quarter, China completely captured the match. In the 51st minute, Jou Meerong scored a third goal at Ying Zhang. Just two minutes later, in the 53rd minute, Jhong Jiaki showed a brilliant personal movement and scored the fourth goal.
India gets bitter defeat
After eating three consecutive goals, the Indian team could not return to the match. The score was 4–1 till the final CT and China won the title. Apart from Navneet Kaur, who scored the initial goal from the Indian team, no player could register a name on the score board.