Photo via Hindustan Times

Asian Games 2026: India pass Japan test with flying colours

India's women's hockey squad secured a strong 3-1 win against top-ranked Japan during the Asian Games, following earlier blowout victories over Uzbekistan, Indonesia, and Thailand. Lalremsiami opened the scoring in the fifth minute, while Ishika added a second goal right before halftime to establish a solid lead.

Navneet Kaur extended the advantage to three goals during the third quarter through a clever shot near the post. Although Shiho Kobayakawa managed to net a late goal past goalkeeper Savita Punia for Japan during a fourth-quarter rally, India successfully maintained control with the help of goalkeepers Bichu Devi Kharibam and Savita Punia, alongside contributions from Sunelita Toppo and Deepika Sehrawat.