India Begin Super4 Campaign with 4-2 Victory Over Korea at Women’s Asia Cup

Hangzhou, Sept 2025 : The Indian women’s hockey team made a commanding start to their Super4 campaign at the Women’s Asia Cup 2025, defeating Korea 4-2 in a thrilling encounter on Wednesday. Goals from Vaishnavi Vithal Phalke, Sangita Kumari, Lalremsiami, and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal highlighted India’s attacking intent and ensured a winning start to this crucial phase of the tournament. Korea’s Yujin Kim scored twice for her side but could not prevent India from walking away with full points.

Early Breakthrough for India

India began on the front foot, winning back-to-back penalty corners in the opening two minutes of the match. On the very first set-piece, drag-flicker Udita’s powerful strike was blocked by Korean goalkeeper Seoyeon Lee. However, injector Vaishnavi Vithal Phalke (2nd minute) was quick to pounce on the rebound, calmly slotting the ball into the net to hand India an early 1-0 lead.

The goal gave India the confidence to dictate play, as they focused on sharp passes and sustained possession to keep Korea under pressure. Although India earned a few more penalty corners late in the first quarter, they could not capitalize. The score remained 1-0 at the break, with India looking the sharper of the two sides.

India Dominate the First Half

The second quarter saw India continue their dominance. They controlled possession and consistently tested the Korean circle with quick forays. Sangita Kumari and Lalremsiami were particularly lively, troubling the Korean backline with their pace and positioning.

Korea, however, showed resilience, creating a late chance when they earned a penalty corner in the final minutes of the half. But Indian goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam made a fine save to preserve her team’s narrow lead. The first half concluded with India ahead 1-0, reflecting their superior attacking play.

Third Quarter Sparks Goals

Korea came out aggressively in the third quarter, determined to claw their way back into the contest. Yet, it was India who doubled their advantage. In the 33rd minute, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal showcased brilliant stickwork, dribbling past three defenders before passing to Sangita Kumari, who was unmarked inside the D. Sangita calmly placed the ball past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.

Almost immediately, Korea struck back. Yujin Kim (33rd minute) converted a penalty corner, reducing the deficit and putting India under pressure. But India maintained their attacking momentum. In the 40th minute, Lalremsiami produced a stunning finish, unleashing a precise shot that left the Korean defence and goalkeeper rooted. That goal restored India’s two-goal cushion, and they ended the third quarter firmly in control at 3-1.

Korea Fight Back, But India Seal the Win

In the final quarter, Korea altered their strategy, relying on long aerial passes to bypass India’s midfield. The approach paid off when Yujin Kim struck again in the 53rd minute, once more from a penalty corner, bringing the score to 3-2.

For a brief spell, the pressure was on India, but the defenders held their ground. Sushila Chanu and Nikki Pradhan marshalled the backline effectively, ensuring Korea could not find the equaliser. India then regained the initiative through swift counter-attacks.

Their persistence bore fruit in the dying moments. In the 59th minute, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal capped off her impressive performance with a decisive goal. Once again, Udita’s drag-flick was saved by Seoyeon Lee, but Rutuja reacted quickly, diving to her right to slot in the rebound. Her strike sealed the match at 4-2, leaving Korea with little time to respond.

Confident Start to Super4 Phase

The comprehensive win underlined India’s attacking strength and defensive discipline. While Korea managed to score twice through penalty corners, India’s ability to convert open-play chances proved to be the difference.

With this victory, India have laid down a strong marker in the Super4 stage. They will next face hosts China on September 11, in a match that could decide the path to the final. A win against China would put India firmly in contention for the title and bring them closer to securing a spot in the Women’s Hockey World Cup.