The Indian hockey team lost 4-1 against the People’s Republic of China in their second Super 4s match at the Women’s Asia Cup 2025 in the Gongshu Canal Sports Park Hockey Field in Hangzhou on Thursday.
Mumtaz Khan (38′) was the only goal-scorer for India, ninth in the women’s hockey rankings, while Zou Meirong (4′, 56′), Chen Yang (31′) and Tan Jinzhuang (47′) scored for world No. 4 China.
It was a lively first quarter with both sides attacking the circles and creating good opportunities but it was China who secured the opening goal early on.
In the fourth minute, India did well to make a good save but the ball went to Zou Meirong on the rebound, allowing her to tap it into the empty net.
India, on the other hand, weren’t clinical enough in front of goal and won their first penalty corner in the 10th minute but couldn’t make it past the Chinese rushers.
The second quarter too saw plenty of end-to-end action but neither side could find the net. In the last five minutes of the first half, India increased the tempo of the game as they applied constant pressure on the Chinese defence and controlled possession in search of a goal.
In the 27th minute, India won another penalty corner but that too didn’t amount to a goal as they headed back into the break a goal behind.
In the very first minute of the third quarter, China increased their lead after India gave away the ball in their own circle to an unmarked Chen Yang, who scored with a simple finish.
In the 38th minute, Mumtaz Khan scored an incredible field goal for India to reduce the deficit.
Lalremsiami passed the ball to Mumtaz Khan at the edge of the circle from where she launched a powerful back-handed shot from distance to score India’s only goal.
Moments later, Zou Meirong took a shot from close range on goal but India’s Bichu Devi showcased great reflexes to make a save and maintain the scoreline.
China started the final quarter strong, adding another goal to their tally. They won a penalty corner in the 47th minute which was converted by Tan Jinzhuang off a deflection from a defender’s stick.
They scored their last goal of the match in the 56th minute courtesy of another field goal from Zou Meirong to seal the fixture and progress into the final of the Women’s Asia Cup.
India will next play defending champions Japan on September 13 in their third Super 4s match. They will be looking for a win to secure a spot in the final, where they would once again clash with hosts China.