The Indian women's hockey team's hopes of directly qualifying for the final of the Women's Asia Cup 2025 now hinge on the outcome of the match between Korea and China, following a 1-1 draw against Japan in their final Super 4s match. The crucial match took place in Hangzhou on Saturday.

India took an early lead in the game against Japan, with Beauty Dung Dung scoring a field goal in the seventh minute. However, Japan fought back and equalized late in the game through Shiho Kobayakawa, who scored just two minutes before the final hooter. This draw marks the second time in the tournament that India and Japan have ended a match with the scores level, with their previous encounter in the pool stage also finishing 2-2.

With the draw, India now has four points from their Super 4s matches, including a win, a loss, and a draw, and a goal difference of -1. China currently leads the Super 4s table with six points from two wins.

India's path to the final now depends on the result of the match between China and Korea. If China wins or the match ends in a draw, India will advance to the final to face China. However, if Korea defeats China by a two-goal margin, Korea will proceed to the final instead of India. China have already secured their place in the final after their victory over India in the Super 4 stage.

In the match against Japan, India started strongly, with Ishika Chaudhary hitting the goal frame in the opening minutes. Japan responded with some attacking moves, but India capitalized when Beauty Dung Dung scored. Japan increased their intensity in the second quarter, winning a penalty corner early on, but India's defense held firm. India gradually regained control and launched several attacks, but Japan's defense remained resilient, leaving India with a 1-0 lead at halftime.

The third quarter saw India increase their offensive pressure, with Lalremsiami playing a key role in driving forward. However, despite repeated attempts, India was unable to extend their lead. In the final quarter, Japan stepped up their attacks, and Kobayakawa eventually found the equalizer late in the match.

Earlier in the Super 4s stage, India suffered a 4-1 defeat against China, with Mumtaz Khan scoring India's only goal. Prior to that, India had a 4-2 victory against Korea in their opening Super 4s match, with goals from Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Sangita Kumari, Lalremsiami, and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal.

Throughout the tournament, India has shown both promise and areas for improvement. They secured a dominant 12-0 victory against Singapore in the group stage, with Navneet Kaur and Mumtaz Khan scoring hat-tricks. They also remained unbeaten in the pool stage, with wins over Thailand and Singapore, and a draw against Japan.

The winner of the Women's Asia Cup 2025 will secure an automatic spot at the 2026 Women's World Cup.