Women’s Asia Cup 2025: India looks to continue winning run against Korea in Super 4
Unbeaten so far in the tournament, a determined Indian women’s hockey team will look to continue its impressive run when it plays against South Korea in its first Super 4 stage match of the Asia Cup here on Wednesday.
India started its Asia Cup campaign with a bang, thrashing Thailand 11-0, before settling for a 2-2 draw against Japan. The Indians then mauled Singapore 12-0 in their last match to top Pool B ahead of Japan based on goal difference.
India will look to carry forward the momentum as it bids to win the title and qualify for next year’s World Cup, scheduled in Belgium and the Netherlands.
World No. 10 India will start as the favourite against Korea, ranked 12th in the FIH chart. After Korea, India will take on title contender China on Thursday before facing Japan on Saturday.
Forwards Navneet Kaur and Mumtaz Khan have been in stellar form, scoring five goals each in the pool stage, and the duo will be expected to continue their scoring touch as the team battles for a spot in the final.
Navneet, Mumtaz and Lalremsiami were simply uncontrollable against Singapore as they utilised the chances that came their way. Navneet and Mumtaz dazzled with a hat-trick each in the 12-0 thrashing of Singapore.
Midfielders Neha, Udita, Sharmila, and Rutuja Pisal also shone bright for the team.
The Super 4 stage will see India, China, Japan, and South Korea play against each other once. The top two sides will qualify for the final, while the other two will play for the third-place match.
India entered the Super 4 stage on the back of a strong momentum, while South Korea managed two wins and a loss in its pool stage.
Significantly, in the last five meetings between the two teams, India has won three times, while Korea has one victory. One match ended in a draw.
India will thus have the psychological edge.
“We are pleased with the way the team has started the tournament. The players have shown good intent, maintained discipline, and capitalised on our attacking opportunities,” India coach Harendra Singh said.
“The pool stage gave us a good platform to build momentum and test ourselves against different styles of play. However, the Super 4s stage will be a different challenge altogether as we face strong opponents like Korea, China, and Japan.”
He said the team’s focus will be on sticking to its structure, defensive sharpness and converting chances in front of the opposition’s goal.
“We know that in this stage there is little room for error, so consistency and composure will be key,” he said.
“The players are motivated, they understand the responsibility of wearing the Indian jersey, and they are eager to continue the momentum. If we play to our potential and trust our process, I am confident we can achieve the results we are aiming for,” Harendra added.
India’s biggest threat remains World No. 4 China, which it will face for the first time in the Super 4 stage and possibly in the final.
Published on Sep 09, 2025