Japan celebrate after defeating India by 2-1 in the women’s hockey final. This is their first gold medal in women’s hockey at the Asian Games. (PTI Photo) Japan celebrate after defeating India by 2-1 in the women’s hockey final. This is their first gold medal in women’s hockey at the Asian Games. (PTI Photo) There’s a Tokyo tinge to every time a Japanese team takes the field in the lead-up to the 2020 Olympics. Two days at hockey with Japan making both the men’s and women’s finals at the Asiad — getting rid of Pakistan in men and denying the Indian women a title — proves that the country was not keen to play just as hosts, but were hoping to be competitive contenders when the Games fetched up. It didn’t help that the Indian women’s team made heavy weather of the chances they got going down 2-1 in the finals. Japan’s high pressing and incisive converting of opportunities in the women’s final of the Asian Games – 2 out of 5 shots on target, as against India’s 1 off 10 – showed the rapid progress Japan had made in the run-up to their home Games. That it cost India a title and an Olympics spot, is the ultimate double whammy. But the cherry blossoms are set to bloom out of season in two years from now, as the Sakura – that’s what the woman’s team is called – reap the benefits of the increased resources at their disposal. Pressing high up the field and playing an aggressive brand of hockey in the finals on Friday, Japan overcame one of the better defenses of the tournament in the Indians. Two penalty corner conversions – one in each half through Shimizu and Kawamura — would put Japan ahead early in each of the two halves. Shimizu would go high up on the top right corner, while Kawamura would make it 2 out of 2, with India scoring one through a field goal before half-time. India’s circle-penetrations remained poor — a carry over from the World Cup — and their inability to steal the PCs left them vulnerable. Excessive reliance on long shots in the ‘D’ and the ensuing chaos leading to a goal would work that once – when Navneet Kaur flicked it back for Neha Goyal to tip it over in the 25th minute, but that was never going to be enough. India had far better control and possession on the ball, but modern hockey is seldom about keeping custody. India were not particularly sizzling in the third, and chances went astray, with all hopes on a desperate penalty corner 39 seconds from finish, after India had pulled out goalkeeper Savita. Japan on the other hand were aggressive in their play and clockwork at interceptions; it’s what they’ve worked on the last couple of years. Japan started putting systems in place with the coming of its Australian coaching group, led by Anthony James – who was selected from a rigorous interviewing process. “This victory is a culmination of a year and half’s working process,” said assistant coach John Patrick, an Australian who’s been coaching a Japanese university side for the last 30 years. “We played a lot of different players in different tournaments. So the group that played at the World Cup wasn’t the same as this one. This means that we have a pool of a good 40 players – this bunch and others equally good and pushing them, back home,” he would add. All save one from the team that won the Asian Games work for “companies.” That’s Sony, Coca Cola, Sompo Security and the top national bank. While girls are scouted out of high school, Japan were determined to pick strong, big players who could be aggressive up front, even while retaining the skill. “Results change mindset, and now we are ready to compete at the global level,” Patrick added. James coached the Canadian men and the Japanese were impressed with the work he’d put in in the World League. His brief was to build a steady team, but he recognised that there would be times when they’d have to win even on a bad day. “We focussed on regaining the ball with speed, and thankfully India didn’t get a touch when it got crowded,” James said in what was more an indictment of India’s inability than Japan’s proficiency. “Our attacking transition is good, defensive transition not where it needs to be. At the Olympics, there will be pressure that’s 10 times this game. Holland is a step above the rest, but in women’s hockey, from No 2 to No 16, anyone can beat anyone,” James who’s with the team since June 2017 said. Japan’s programme in hockey — their men’s team play Malaysia in the finals on Saturday — is not limiting itself to the Olympics though. “Of course we are putting in resources to be professional and successful at the Olympics. But we also want to create a legacy in hockey taking off from Tokyo. Japan’s always had good players. But they needed to be given confidence,” the head coach would say. Moving bag, baggage, family to Japan — a country where he didn’t know the language — was a challenge he’s slowly warmed up to, and the biggest change he’s brought about is in the aggressive intent of the team. At half-time, the teams were tied at 1-1. It’s when James would press upon the women to get control back on the ball and increase the pace of rotations in the midfield. At full-time India were left rueing their chances. Japan didn’t have to qualify for Tokyo — that they insisted on earning that right to play, means they’ll be more than the gracious hosts in two years.<doc-sep>Indian women's team poses after the medals ceremony. (AFP Photo) JAKARTA: The Indian women's hockey team failed to break its 36-year-old gold jinx after losing to Japan 1-2 in a keenly contested summit clash to settle for the silver medal at the 18th Asian Games here on Friday.The loss will hurt the Indians badly as a gold here would have guaranteed a direct qualification in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.Minami Shimizu and Motomori Kawamura scored for Japan through penalty corners in the 11th and 44th minute while Neha Goyal's field goal in the 25th minute was the lone strike for India, who were aiming to win their first Asiad gold since 1982.The Indians had qualified for the final of the Asian Games after a gap of 20 years, having beaten China in the semi-finals.Ahead of the Olympics, Japanese hockey is on the right track with the women winning their maiden Asian Games title after finishing runners-up thrice.For Indian hockey, there was more disappointment after the fancied men's team failed to defend its gold following their loss to Malaysia in the semi-finals on Thursday.Coming into the match, the Indians were favourites to win the title as they are ranked five places above Japan at ninth in the world rankings.In the first quarter, India made more forays into the opposition circle but lacked the finishing touch. Their first big opportunity came in fourth minute when Navneet Kaur could not do much with captain Rani Rampal's pass into the striking zone.Japan had their opportunity too in the eighth minute but Indian goalkeeper Savita made a good save.Navneet then helped India get their first penalty corner in the 10th minute but dragflicker Gurjit Kaur could not get it past the Japanese goalkeeper.Another Japanese counter attack followed which resulted in their first penalty corner, which was clinically converted by Shimizu in the 11th minute.Down by a goal, India kept attacking but with little precision.Sensing urgency, India pressed hard for the equaliser in the second quarter. They came close when Sunita Lakra provided a finely placed pass to Udita but she could not make it count.India drew level in the 25th minute when Navneet Kaur's crisp reverse hit was neatly deflected in by a patiently waiting Neha.India were the better team in the second quarter, creating more chances and had the ball a lot more than the Japanese.In the 36th minute, a skilful one-two from Vandana Katariya and Navjot Kaur almost got India the lead but Udita's shot was saved by the Japanese keeper.Seconds later, another opportunity was missed when Vandana's attempt was parried away by the custodian.The Japanese got their first major opportunity of the third quarter when they earned a penalty corner in the 44th minute and Motomi executed a delightful finish, taking the ball on the left and firing it in with a reverse hit.The Indian fans, who turned up in sizeable number, were left shell shocked with the Japanese goal.The Indian women, like their male counterparts in the semi-finals yesterday, were guilty of holding on to the ball for far too long while the Japanese operated with quick passes.With less than 10 minutes remaining on the clock, the Indian shirts were a constant in the opposition circle but they could not find the back of the net.With a goal lead and end drawing closer, the Japanese expectedly slowed the game down when once they reached the Indian half.India withdrew their goalkeeper Savita with two minutes remaining as India desperately pushed for an equaliser.They even got two chances with 40 seconds left on the clock but failed to find the Japanese net.<doc-sep>Japan were intense, India chased the game The pressure was up right from the word go and India were not allowed any breathing space at any point. Yes, they were favourites, but now India have to be content with silver Time slips by, Japan win GOLD They kept pressing, they kept attacking, India were always chasing the game, and they now go down. They have to be content with SILVER Time slipping away India have lost the plot, they are not able to take the ball, they are not able to move forward. India need more people forward The ball keeps moving forward, but there are not enough people to forge any attack. India look rattled The passes are not complete and there is no proper finishing. 10 more minutes to go, Japan on the charge, India have to keep the ball. Third quarter ends Japan in the lead and they deserve it. They have never allowed India to breathe free in the match. India have all the running to do now. GOAL! Key penalty corner for Japan This is dangerous for India, it comes very close to the end of the 3rd quarter. Japan convert it, ball slammed inside the goal, what a variation, what a stunning finish Good save by Savita Lovely run, lovely pass but the Indian goalie anticipated the ball and its direction and was able to kick it away without any fuss Japan move forward It was a sudden attack by Japan, Indian defence caught napping, but they do enough to keep the ball away. India stepping up The team is now finding its groove, lovely synchronised play and Japan is under pressure. Goal is needed. Positive move from India Lovely forward press by Kataria. was a good thrust too, but then the ball is wide and no one is there to receive the pass Japan on the attack It was a long ball, but then it drifts wide. India need to be awake Half-time, it is all even Japan scored early and then India hit back courtesy Neha Goyal. Japan have more pace and India need to keep the ball a bit more. Both sides have defended with a lot of panache. It is building up quite nicely Good defence from India Deepika kept her cool and composure and thwarted any threat just outside the D box. The Indian defence needs to be tight GOAL! India make a comeback Lovely ball, Neha gets it and deflects it in. Lovely pass from Navneet and the ball found Neha who is unmarked. Well, game on, game on! India not keeping the ball long enough The midfield keeps the ball, dribbles and then gives it away, Japan keeps stealing it away and this is why the team is looking shaky at the moment. Ball needs to in Japan’s half more often Japan controlling the game They have the lead and are looking to press on even further. India’s defence is looking very jittery. The flanks are getting exposed whenever Japan enter the penalty area. First quarter ends Japan kept the pressure on the Indian defence and they eventually scored. India need to press on the accelerator a lot more. GOAL! Japan wins PC and they score They kept pressing, India were put under pressure and finally they score Penalty corner for India This is a good chance for India. And lovely move there, India miss, good feed by Rani, but the flick by Gurjit went just wide and cleared by the goalie That was so close for Japan Lovely play, lovely pass, lovely attack, but not so good finish. India under pressure, they have to keep the ball more. Japan shoot and miss Shot goes wide, India then clear the ball Ahh, that was close for India Lovely intercept by Rani, gave a clear ball to the forward, but the goalie makes a good save Rampal on the charge The captain takes off, on the counter, reaches the circle, but then loses the ball. A very sedate start Both teams look to keep the ball. Japan had the chance but the ball was not intercepted cleanly. Japan on the attack Let’s go India hold the edge, but it is the finals and past results really do not matter National Anthem time The teams are out there and sing their national anthems. There is pressure, and tension. Gold up for grabs An Olympic berth awaits A victory will not only yield a gold medal, but the winner qualifies for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The starting XI Here is the Starting XI of the Indian Eves who will play their big Final match at the 18th @asiangames2018 against Japan at 6:30 PM (IST) on 31st August 2018. Watch the action LIVE on @SPNSportsIndia and @SonyLIV. #IndiaKaGame #AsianGames2018 #INDvJPN pic.twitter.com/a0T3aganT7 — Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) August 31, 2018 We are almost there It's been a long journey leading up to this very moment! The Indian Eves are more than ready to face Japan in the Final of the @asiangames2018 in Jakarta & Palembang on 31st August.#IndiaKaGame #AsianGames2018 #INDvJPN pic.twitter.com/I7c2Qs4EZZ — Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) August 31, 2018 The captain speaks . @imranirampal, Captain of the Indian Women's Hockey Team, says the youngsters have exceeded all the expectations and believes that they will rise to the occasion when the Eves face Japan in the Final of the @asiangames2018 on 31st August.#IndiaKaGame #AsianGames2018 pic.twitter.com/itWbN0Z8aC — Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) August 31, 2018 It is all building up, folks Watch the Indian Women's Hockey Team shape up for their Final against Japan at the @asiangames2018 in Jakarta & Palembang on 31st August.#IndiaKaGame #AsianGames2018 pic.twitter.com/ViwCWvwp1s — Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) August 31, 2018 Recent form of India Earlier this year, India could not achieve a podium finish, but then managed to beat Olympic champions England, and lost narrowly to Australia in the semi-final. India have been in good form The eves have registered huge victories against Indonesia (8-0), Kazakhstan (21-0), Korea (4-1) and Thailand (5-0) in the pool stages India won bronze in the previous edition<doc-sep>India vs Japan Women's Hockey final at 2018 Asian Games | Photo Credit: AP Thankyou for staying with us in the live coverage of the final of women's hockey. Indian eves witnessed an upsetting loss in the final of the women's hockey in the Asian Games 2018, thus settled for a silver. A tactically superior Japan held on to their 2-1 lead till the end to seal the game. India failed to capitalise their chance and were ousted owing to their poor ball control. 19:55 IST: It is all over for India. They settle for a silver medal. Upsetting, given the chances they had to come close to a win. A comprehensive Japanese show fetch them the deserving gold medal. Indian eves extends India's medals tally to 65. They add another silver. 19:50 IST: Chance for India. But no goal yet. India have asked for a video ref for a PC. India lose their ref no PC. Thats a free hit. 40 seconds to go. IND 1-2 JPN 19:45 IST: India down to 10 men. Monika faces a yellow card. Frustration for the Indians. Less than 4 minuites now left in the final of the women's hockey match. Japan holding on to their lead with all they have as they assert pressure on the Indians. India struggling to find the ball and keep the ball. A couple of chances but still no goal. Ind 1-2 Jpn 19:42 IST: Less than 8 minutes in the last quarter of the game. Japan's Motomi shown a green card. The play is clustered in the middle of the court as India try to gain ground from the left wing. A couple of attacks down the left flank but the Japanese have ensured they manage to keep the sheet clean. IND 1-2 JPN 19:36 IST: The 4th quarter begins. Indian eves trying their level best to find the back of the net. This is the last chance to score. 12 minutes left in this quarter. 19:32 IST: End of 3rd quarter. IND 1-2 JPN. Japan in the lead with 15 minutes left in the final match. Indians now really under pressure. Have to come back strong. 19:30 IST: Intense game from both the sides. A PC for Japan in the 3rd quarter. GOOOOAAAAAL! Japan steal the lead once again. Motomi Kawamura scores the 2nd goal for Japan. India's defense left open. IND 1-2 JPN 19:22: IST: Another chance for India. Down the left flank, Vandan Katariya has her shot saved by the goalkeeper. Busy goalie. 19:20 IST: CHANCE for India. A brilliant breakthrough from the middle but no real control on the ball. Udita had a go but too weak on the shot as the goalie saved the shot. Cleared by the defense. 19:18 IST: The Indians more assertive in this quarter with the ball. They have managed to use their wing play much better in this quarter. Yet to find the back of the net. IND 1-1 JPN 19:15 IST: Back from the break. The 3rd quarter is underway. India begin with more intent in this quarter. Break into early counter but Japan defend well. They are strong and sturdy at the back. IND 1-1 JPN 19:07 IST: Half-time - End of 2nd quarter. After the two quarters both the teams have salvaged to find the back of the net. Tactically suprior Japan taken aback by the goal, a rare opening in their defense. India have to pull up their socks in the last two quarters to stay on top. 19:04 IST: Japan much better in their wing play using the flanks more wisely. India have to look for betterment as they are conceding too much balls. Sloppy in their field work as well. One minute to go in the 2nd quarter. IND 1-1 JPN 19:00 IST: Japan rattled with that jaw-dropping reply from the Indians. India's confidence will be boosted with that goal. A great drag from the left and Goyal right there in front to direct it in. Less than 3 minutes now in the 2nd quarter. IND 1-1 JPN 18:58 IST: GOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAL! India equalise from Neha Goyal's deflection. IND 1-1 JPN. 18:57 IST: 10 minutes left in the second quarter. End to end game with no real opening for goals. India scattered in the midfield, Japan much better in their strategy. India have to gear up in order to find the back of the net. 6 minutes left in this quarter. IND 0-1 JPN 18:53 IST: Japan dominating with the ball possession. They are assertive with their attacks, a chance to score but the Indian eves defends well. The Indians looking for a chance to penetrate into the Japanese box but excellent work from Japan in the midfield. 18:50 IST: The 2nd quarter is underway. Japan piling pressure on the Indian defense. Looking to extend their lead. 18:48 IST: End of 1st quarter. Japan in the lead. India came close to scoring but they missed the chances on a couple of occasions. Japan's Shihori Oikawa scored from the PC. IND 0-1 JPN 18:46 IST: Less than three minutes left in the 1st quarter. Vandana Katariya has missed a shot. India need to hold on to their nerves. They have to convert. Good defending from Japan. 18:43 IST: 1st PC for India and the game. No result though. India's Gurjit Kaur shoot but SAVED by the Japanese goal keeper. Japan gets a PC now on the other end. And GOOOAAAAAL! Japan in the lead as they score from the PC. Shihori Oikawa scores from the drag. The ball deflects in. IND 0-1 JPN 18:40 IST: Japan Taking their chances now. End to end game from both the sides. Breaking into the counter, Japan came close to open their account but Aki Yamada had her shot saved. Good SAVE from the Indian goalie. IND 0-0 JPN 18:38 IST: India's defense so far so good. They have managed to fend away any threats. India's Rani Rampal and Navneet Kaur will be upset with those misses. Seven minutes left in the 1st quarter.IND 0-0 JPN 18:35 IST: The 1st quarter is underway. India early into the attack.<doc-sep>
Valiant India went down fighting and won the silver medal as they lost 1-2 to Japan in the women's hockey semi-final of the 2018 Asian Games. Kawamura Motomi scored the decisive and eventual winning goal in the 43rd minute as Japan clinched the gold medal. India kept pushing for an equaliser in the fourth quarter and even came close in the closing stages but failed to score. Neha Goyal's 25th-minute strike had cancelled out Minami Shimizu early goal as the Indian women's hockey team were locked to a 1-1 draw at halftime. Japan kept the pressure on India and reaped the benefits after a deflected and well-taken penalty corner strike gave the former the lead. The Japanese side played an attacking game especially in the first quarter. The second quarter saw India up their ante and their offensive play orchestrated by Navneet in the 25th minute helped Neha equalise for India. A confident India women's hockey team will be vying to win the gold medal after a long wait of 36 years. India won the gold medal in 1982, the year women's hockey was first included in the Asian Games programme. They reached the final for the second time in 1998 when they lost 1-2 to South Korea. They bagged bronze medals in 2006 and 2014 The impressive Indian team has remained undefeated throughout the tournament, registering huge victories against Indonesia (8-0), Kazakhstan (21-0), South Korea (4-1) and Thailand (5-0) in the pool stages and securing a hard-fought 1-0 win against a resilient Chinese team in the semi-final. India's form in the competition has been inspired by their resolute defending in all their five matches which has seen them concede only once in 300 minutes of hockey, which was through a penalty stroke against South Korea. (MEDAL TALLY) Asian Games 2018, India vs Japan Women's Hockey Final Highlights straight from Jakarta, Indonesia 19:58 IST: Thank you for staying for the live match commentary. 19:50 IST: FULL TIME! India lose 1-2 to Japan, take home the silver medal at the 2018 Asian Games. FT| The Indian Women's Hockey Team were put to the test by a challenging Japanese side as they claim the Silver medal at the @asiangames2018 after a valiant effort by the Eves goes unrewarded on 31st August.#IndiaKaGame #AsianGames2018 #INDvJPN pic.twitter.com/lxEMBNLauV — Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) August 31, 2018 19:49 IST: CHANCE for India. An opportunity lost. And its over. 19:47 IST: Time is running out for India and it seems they will have to settle for silver here. 19:43 IST: Japan keeping possession, taking the ball to the flanks and wasting time. We are down now to the final five minutes. India 1-2 Japan after 55 minutes 19:38 IST: Final ten minutes to go for India to get something out of this match. 19:36 IST: Japan in the counter attack but India have numbers behind. 19:33 IST: Japan are down to ten at the start of the final quarter. 15 minutes is all India have to do something. it is now or never for them. 19:33 IST: The fourth and final quarter begins. 19:31 IST: Third quarter ends | India 1-2 Japan 19:28 IST: GOAL! PENALTY CORNER for Japan and they score. The captain Kawamura Motomi scores. Another variation worked well for the Japanese. India 1-2 Japan after 43 minutes 19:27 IST: Japan are playing long balls to their benefit. No real attacking threat from either side. 2 minutes to the end of the third quarter. 19:23 IST: SAVED! Vandana's shot saved. Well-worked move by the Indian team as we approach the end of third quarter. 19:20 IST: Final ten minutes of the third quarter to go. India on the counter attack. Timely tackle by the Japanese defender. 19:15 IST: Japan look threatening at the moment. Deepika makes a crucial tackle. The Japanese are doing a high press here. India 1-1 Japan after 32 minutes 19:15 IST: Second half | Third Quarter begins 19:04 IST: India 1-1 Japan at halftime | End of Quarter 2 HT| The Indian Eves fall behind and equalize in stunning fashion in the first half of their clash against Japan in the Final of the @asiangames2018 as the team shows their intent to win this challenging clash on 31st August.#IndiaKaGame #AsianGames2018 #INDvJPN pic.twitter.com/DEnkj4QVhX — Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) August 31, 2018 19:04 IST: Much better second quarter display by India. They are brimming with confidence at the moment. 18:58 IST: GOAL! Super ball by Navneet and 21-year-old Neha Goyal scores.