India’s women’s hockey team made a winning start to their Asia Cup campaign, but the opening clash against China was anything but straightforward. Despite dominating possession, circle entries, and shot attempts, the Indians were guilty of wastefulness upfront, allowing the Chinese to stay alive for far too long. In the end, it took a captain’s hat-trick from Harmanpreet Kaur to paper over the cracks and secure a hard-fought 3–2 victory.
Missed Chances Nearly Cost India
From the first whistle, India stamped their authority on the game. Quick passing combinations, strong midfield control, and relentless pressing had China on the backfoot. But when it came to finishing, the team struggled. Time and again, gilt-edged opportunities were squandered—misplaced final passes, shots straight at the goalkeeper, and penalty corners that went begging.
China, in contrast, looked sharper on the counter. Their forwards tested the Indian defence with quick breaks, and it was only the alertness of goalkeeper Savita Punia that kept the scoreboard level during crucial moments.
Harmanpreet Steps Up
In games where the collective fails, captains often rise to the occasion. Harmanpreet Kaur did exactly that. With three brilliantly executed penalty corners, she bailed her side out of trouble. Her first strike was a thumping drag-flick that left the Chinese keeper rooted. The second showcased her intelligence, sending the ball low and wide, while the third—a nerveless finish under pressure—sealed her hat-trick and India’s win.
Without her precision, the scoreboard could have easily told a very different story.
Lessons to Learn
While the three points were crucial to kickstart the campaign, the performance raised questions. Against stronger Asian rivals like Japan and Korea, such wastefulness could prove costly. The forward line, in particular, must sharpen its conversion rate if India hopes to defend its Asia Cup crown.
Coach Janneke Schopman will no doubt emphasize clinical finishing in the training sessions ahead. For now, though, India can breathe easy, grateful for Harmanpreet’s leadership and ability to deliver when it mattered most.
The Road Ahead
India’s next fixtures will test both their depth and discipline. The opener against China was a reminder that possession and dominance mean little without goals. If Harmanpreet’s heroics were the highlight of this contest, the team will hope the upcoming matches showcase collective efficiency.
The Asia Cup campaign may have begun with frayed nerves, but with points on the board and a captain leading by example, India has every reason to believe they can grow stronger from here.
