Indian Women's Team Edge Japan 2-1 To Book FIH Nations Cup Semifinals Berth

Published 16 June 2026 · india

Indian Women's Team Edge Japan 2-1 To Book FIH Nations Cup Semifinals Berth Published By, Last Updated: June 16, 2026, 10:32 IST India defeated Japan

Indian Women's Team Edge Japan 2-1 To Book FIH Nations Cup Semifinals Berth Published By, Last Updated: June 16, 2026, 10:32 IST India defeated Japan 2-1 in Auckland to secure a place in the FIH Nations Cup semi-finals, with captain Salima Tete and Lalremsiami scoring decisive goals. Rapid Read (Credit: X/Hockey India) The Indian women’s hockey team secured a place in the semifinals of the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup New Zealand 2026 after registering a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Japan in their second Pool A clash at the North Harbour Hockey Centre in Auckland on Tuesday. Captain Salima Tete and forward Lalremsiami scored in either half to guide India to their second consecutive win of the tournament, keeping them unbeaten and firmly on top of Pool A with six points.

The victory also marked a memorable occasion for midfielder Jyoti, who celebrated her 100th senior international appearance for India. How The Contest Unfolded Both sides enjoyed spells of possession in an evenly contested opening half, but neither could find the breakthrough despite creating several opportunities. India’s forwards looked threatening at times, while Japan remained disciplined defensively to ensure the scores remained level heading into the interval. The deadlock was finally broken in the 33rd minute when India executed a well-worked penalty-corner variation. Navneet Kaur’s effort was cleverly redirected by Nikki Pradhan into the path of Salima Tete, who calmly slotted home to hand India a deserved lead. Japan responded almost immediately. Just two minutes later, Hiramitsu Ai converted from a penalty corner to restore parity, ensuring the contest remained finely balanced entering the final quarter.

With the match hanging in the balance, Lalremsiami produced the decisive moment in the 49th minute. Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam delivered an incisive pass from the edge of the circle, and Lalremsiami timed her deflection perfectly to steer the ball into the net and restore India’s advantage. Japan pushed forward in search of another equaliser during the closing stages, but India’s defence stood firm to preserve the lead and secure all three points. India Through To Last Four The result guarantees India a place in the semifinals with one group-stage match still to play. After victories over the United States and Japan, India sit comfortably atop Pool A on six points. India will conclude their group campaign against Uruguay on June 18, while Japan and the USA will battle for the remaining semifinal berth from the group.