The Indian women’s hockey team fell short in the final hurdle of the Asia Cup 2025, going down 1-4 to China in a high-pressure clash in Donghae, China, on Sunday (September 14, 2025). The defeat not only denied India their second Asia Cup title but also forced them into the World Cup Qualifiers to book a berth for the 2026 Women’s Hockey World Cup, scheduled to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Early Lead for India
India, ranked ninth in the world, made a dream start when Navneet Kaur converted a penalty corner within the opening 39 seconds of the match. The early strike briefly raised hopes of a historic victory as the Salima Tete-led side gained momentum.
China, however, quickly regrouped. Just minutes later, they earned back-to-back penalty corners, but the Indian defence stood firm. The first quarter ended with India holding a slender 1-0 advantage, largely due to their compact structure and resilient defending.
China’s Equaliser Changes Momentum
The breakthrough for China came in the 21st minute, when Zixia Ou found the net through a well-executed penalty corner. The equaliser changed the complexion of the game, with the Chinese side taking complete control of possession and territory.
From that point on, the Indians were forced to absorb relentless pressure. While they managed to keep the scoreline level at 1-1 going into half-time, China looked the more dominant side, creating far more scoring opportunities.
China Shift Gears After Half-Time
After the restart, India tried to play on the counter, pressing higher and pushing numbers forward. However, the Chinese defence was sharp and quick in clearing the ball from danger.
In the 41st minute, Hong Li put China ahead with a fine field goal, capitalising on a swift counterattack. The strike rattled India, and despite their attempts to chase the equaliser, their forwards, including Mumtaz Khan, Lalremsiami, and Sunelita Toppo, struggled to break through a disciplined Chinese backline.
Decisive Final Quarter
The final 15 minutes proved to be India’s undoing. With the scoreline at 1-2, the Indians desperately sought a comeback, but it left them vulnerable at the back.
China punished them with two quick goals in the 51st and 53rd minutes. First, Meirong Zou extended the lead with a neat field effort before Jiaqi Zhong sealed the contest with another goal just two minutes later.
The back-to-back strikes ensured that the Chinese side claimed their third Asia Cup title, having previously triumphed in 1989 (Hong Kong) and 2009 (Bangkok).
Indian Attack Falters Under Pressure
India’s inability to convert scoring opportunities was a key factor in their defeat. The forwards, who had shone in earlier matches, looked subdued under the pressure of the final.
While Navneet Kaur gave India an early advantage, the team failed to sustain attacking intensity. The lack of finishing touch in the circle and missed penalty corners in crucial phases ultimately cost them the title.
Road Ahead for India
The loss means India will now have to take the longer route through the World Cup Qualifiers to secure a spot in the 2026 Women’s Hockey World Cup. Despite the setback, hockey experts believe that the young squad can learn valuable lessons from the defeat and bounce back stronger in upcoming international tournaments.
Conclusion
The Asia Cup 2025 final was a tale of contrasting halves—India’s bright start quickly overshadowed by China’s tactical superiority and clinical finishing. While India’s defence held firm in the early stages, the second-half collapse exposed gaps that China exploited to perfection.
For China, the victory was historic, cementing their place at the 2026 World Cup and reaffirming their status as a dominant force in Asian women’s hockey. For India, however, the journey continues as they regroup for the World Cup Qualifiers in pursuit of a coveted spot on the global stage.
