Women’s Asia Cup 2025: Navneet goal helps India eke out draw with Japan
In what was the final passage of play, Navneet Kaur converted a penalty corner to help India escape with a 2-2 draw against Japan at the Women’s Asia Cup 2025 on Saturday at the Gongshu Canal Sports Park Stadium in China.
Japan took the lead in the first quarter, thanks to Hiroka Murayama’s strike. It was only towards the end of the second quarter that India equalised through Rutuja Dadaso Pisal’s goal.
Japan took the lead once again with less than three minutes to go in the final quarter, through Chiko Fujibayashi’s penalty stroke.
In a tactical move by head coach Harendra Singh, India goalkeeper Bichu Devi was substituted off to bring an extra outfield player in the closing moments of the match.
India won a penalty corner milliseconds before the full-time hooter went off, and Navneet drilled the ball into the goal to keep India at the top of its group.
India, who had thrashed Thailand 11-0 in its opening match, plays against Singapore in its final pool B match on September 8. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super 4s.
Published on Sep 06, 2025