The Indian Women’s Hockey team launched their Super 4 campaign with a bang, defeating a resilient South Korea 4-2 in a nail-biting Asia Cup 2025 match in Hangzhou on Wednesday. This crucial victory keeps their unbeaten tournament record perfectly intact after they dominated the group stage. The win sets a thrilling tone for their next major challenge against hosts China.
Early Strike Sets Dominant Tone
India wasted no time in asserting their dominance on the field. Just two minutes into the game, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke found the back of the net, capitalizing on a rebound from a penalty corner to give India an early 1-0 lead. This quick goal immediately put the pressure on the Korean side.
South Korea attempted to mount a swift response, earning a series of penalty corners. However, they were met by a formidable wall in the form of Indian goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam. Stepping up in the absence of regular captain Savita Punia, Bichu made several splendid saves, denying Korea any chance to equalize in the first half and preserving India’s narrow lead. India’s attack continued to test the Korean defense, with a notable reverse shot from Mumtaz Khan in the 22nd minute being brilliantly saved.
A Second Half Goal Fest
The game truly opened up after halftime, transforming into a chaotic and thrilling display of offensive hockey. The second half saw a flurry of goals as both teams battled for control. Sangita Kumari doubled India’s lead with a smart field goal in the 33rd minute, making it 2-0. But the joy was short-lived, as South Korea’s Yujin Kim immediately fired back, converting a penalty corner in the same minute to bring the score to 2-1.
This back and forth action defined the intensity of the Super 4 clash. India, however, quickly regained their two goal advantage. In the 40th minute, Lalremsiami scored a fantastic field goal, putting India ahead 3-1 and seemingly in a comfortable position. The rapid succession of goals highlighted the high stakes and offensive firepower of both teams.
| Time | Player | Team | Goal Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2′ | Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke | India | Penalty Corner |
| 33′ | Sangita Kumari | India | Field Goal |
| 33′ | Yujin Kim | South Korea | Penalty Corner |
| 40′ | Lalremsiami | India | Field Goal |
| 53′ | Yujin Kim | South Korea | Penalty Corner |
| 59′ | Rutuja Dadaso Pisal | India | Rebound |
Korea Fights Back, India Seals the Deal
Despite being two goals down, South Korea refused to give up. They intensified their attacks in the final quarter, desperately searching for a way back into the match. Their persistence paid off in the 53rd minute when Yujin Kim scored her second goal of the game, once again from a penalty corner, narrowing the deficit to 3-2.
This late goal created a tense final few minutes, putting India under significant pressure. The Korean team threw everything they had forward in search of an equalizer. However, the Indian squad held their nerve, showcasing remarkable resilience. Just as the final whistle approached, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal put the game to bed in the 59th minute, scoring from a rebound to seal a comfortable and hard fought 4-2 victory for India.
Bichu Devi: The Wall in India’s Goal
A special mention must go to the performance of goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam, who was a cornerstone of India’s victory. With the team’s regular skipper and first choice keeper Savita Punia away, the pressure was on the young player to perform in a high stakes match.
Coach Janneke Schopman’s trust in Bichu was fully vindicated. She played the entire game against a tough Korean side, making crucial saves at key moments, especially during the first half when Korea was pushing hard for an equalizer. Her confident and commanding presence in goal is quickly establishing her as a reliable force for the Indian team, proving she can stand tall against top tier opposition.
This victory was a true team effort, a powerful combination of sharp attacking and solid defense that keeps India’s dream of an Asia Cup title alive. The win not only maintains their unbeaten streak but also provides a massive confidence boost as they prepare to face their next opponent. The journey is far from over, and this thrilling win has set the stage for an even more exciting road ahead.
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