India vs China, HIGHLIGHTS, Asian Games 2023 women’s hockey semis: IND loses 0-4 to CHN; will fight for bronze medal

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Indian men exorcise the ghost of 2018, enter Asian Games 2023 hockey final

The ghost of Jakarta was finally exorcised as the Indian men’s hockey team entered the Asian Games final and one step closer to an Olympic ticket here on Wednesday with a 5-3 win against South Korea.

The Indian women’s team will face the losing team from the Korea vs Japan match for a bronze medal.

India reviews as China is awarded a PC and the review is unsuccessful. Gu Bingfeng scores for China. Hooter goes and China will advance to the gold medal match. India, on the other hand, will face the losing team of the Korea vs Japan match for the bronze medal.

Zou Meirong injects as China gets a PC, but it goes off wide.

India are finding for attacks, but the Chinese counter-attacks and by using the left-flank Liang Meiyu scores off rebound despite Nikki Pradhan’s attempt to save the ball.

Monika with the turn and earns the PC for India. However, like every other Indian PC today, they are unable to convert it.

Salima Tete injects this time, but another variation leads to another dangerous ball.

Vaishnavi injects, variation by the Indians but Li Xinhuan saves it for China.

India is unable to convert their PCs after the ball is deemed dangerous. The whistle is blown and India are trailing.

The Chinese review as a penalty corner is awarded as Vaishnavi and Sushila forcing a PC. The review is unsuccessful as Indians are awarded a PC. Vaishnavi injects, but the goal is unsuccessful in both attempts. Monika is injured and is seen holding her hands.

PC for China. Zou Meirong injects, with the first battery making a mistake and the Indian defender deflects it to Meirong, who smashes it into the goal. Making it 2-0 for China.

China’s aerial ball to find attacker, Udita tries to defend but the ball is saved as Savita saves the attempt. Green card to the captain Ou Zixia, who attempts to tackle an Indian forwards.

Navneet Kaur goes to attacking midfield but Chinese are yet again on the attacking front despite India’s changes.

India starts with the ball, but it’s China, who intercept thanks to Sushila Chanu and enter the Indian D. Liang Meiyu flicks the ball but Savita saves it.

Hooter goes off and India are hapless in front of China’s dominating performance.

Green card for Huang Haiyan for rough tackle as China will be a player down for two minutes.

Sushila’s foot hits the ball inside the D. PC FOR CHINA!!!Zhong Jiaqi flicks, it deflects off Nikki Pradhan, who defends the attempt and it enters the goal.

China tries to attack via the left flank this time but is soon intercepted by the Indians.

Huang Haiyan tries to enter the D via the right side, but the ball goes wide.

Sonika intercepts in the mid field and passes it to Neha, but Vandana loses ball possession.

Ma Ning and Li Hong press it hard for China. Savita saves yet another PC as it comes in straight.

Vaishnavi with a strong tackle, but gives away the ball. China flicks the ball wide.

As the first quarter ends, no goals scored after China seem to have an upperhand with their attack and ability to pressurise the Indians.

With just over a minute left, India press hard and high as China are defending near their circle corner.

Lalremsiami to Salima, who minuses the pass inside the Chinese D, however, Ye Jiao saves the goal attempt.

Li Hong appeals for PC and gets it. Ball still in play despite variation used by China in the PC, Sushila saves it for India. However China intercepts inside the D, but manages to flick once only for Savita to save it.

China manages to come onto the Indian circle via the left flank, however, a wide ball pushed away by the Indians gives China a long corner.

India gives the ball away yet again to China, however, Deep Grace Ekka starts off strong.

China attack through the right flank as Huang Haiyan gets the foul in her favour. Despite the two consecutive Penalty Corners, Savita saves with the help of her foot. The ball passes her right and goes wide.

Vaishnavi gets the ball through to the Chinese half with the help of Navneet Kaur but fails to enter the D after being stopped by several Chinese Defenders.

Salima picks the ball in the right from Sangita, but doesnt get her trap right. Monika attacks in the mid-field as she intercepts the ball.

China are given the ball and are already attacking against India. They enter the Indian D via the left flank but the goal attempt goes wide as Liang Meiyu fails to get hold of the ball.

The two teams enter the field and the national anthem is played.

The last time India lost to China was in 2016 during the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy. China defeated India 3-2 during that game.

India- 11 | China-9 | Draw-2

The stage is set for an epic showdown as the Indian Women’s Hockey Team goes head-to-head against China in the first semifinal of the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022, scheduled to take place on Thursday. Both teams have shown remarkable form in the tournament, and a place in the final is on the line in what promises to be a thrilling contest.

India have been nothing short of exceptional in the competition, remaining unbeaten thus far. They kicked off their campaign with an emphatic 13-0 win against Singapore and followed it up with a convincing 6-0 victory over Malaysia. Despite a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Korea, they rebounded strongly with a resounding 13-0 win against Hong Kong China to top Pool A.

China, too, displayed their prowess by starting the tournament with a remarkable 20-0 victory over Indonesia, followed by an 11-0 triumph against Kazakhstan. While they faced a setback with a 0-2 loss to Japan, they bounced back with a commanding 12-0 win against Thailand in their last group-stage match to secure a spot in the semifinals.

The stakes are high in this semifinal clash, as the team that emerges victorious will not only advance to the final but will also be assured of at least a silver medal.

In terms of head-to-head records, India hold a slight advantage, having won 11 out of 22 matches against China, which emerged victorious in nine games, while two games ended in a draw. This history adds an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming battle.

Indian Women’s Hockey Team Captain, Savita, expressed her anticipation and stated, “This is a significant moment for us. We’ve performed exceptionally well so far, but the Semi-Final is a different challenge. China are a formidable opponent with a rich history in the Asian Games. However, we’re also fully prepared for the challenge and will give our best to make our country proud.”

Meanwhile, Indian Women’s Team Coach Janneke Schopman also shared her thoughts and said, “Our journey in this tournament has been remarkable, and we’ve worked tirelessly to reach this stage. The players are in great shape, both physically and mentally. Our focus is on executing our strategies flawlessly and maintaining our discipline on the field. We respect China’s abilities, but we’re determined to secure a place in the Final.”

With a rich history of their own, having won the prestigious tournament once in 1982, India aim to script another memorable chapter in their hockey legacy. China, on the other hand, with three Asian Games titles to their name, seek to reaffirm their dominance. Hence, it will be a fiercely contested battle as both teams vie for supremacy and a coveted spot in the Final of the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022.

India vs China women’s hockey Asian Games semifinal match will take place on October 5 at 1:30 PM IST. Sony Sports Network will telecast the match, while Sony LIV will live stream the same.