Photo credit: X/@TheHockeyIndia
Supriya converted it to make it 2-0. India ended the first quarter with a 3-0 lead. Geeta Yadav scored a field goal in the 41st minute to make it 4-0. She added another in the 45th minute to complete her brace and extend India’s lead to 5-0. Purnima scored a minute later, finding the net in the 46th minute to complete her brace and put India 6-0 ahead at the end of the third quarter.
Krishna Sharma opened the scoring in the fifth minute after India put Japan under pressure. India doubled their lead in the ninth minute when a foul by a Japanese defender inside the circle resulted in a penalty stroke. India added a third goal in the 14th minute when Purnima Yadav scored from open play. Japan came out with more attacking intent in the second quarter as they looked to get back into the match. India continued to create chances, but neither team scored before half-time. Japan again started the third quarter looking for their first goal, but India’s defence dealt with their attacks. India continued to attack in the final quarter and scored again in the 50th minute through Sanika Chandrakant Mane.