FIH Nations Cup: Hockey team India defeated Japan 2-1 to book their place in the semi-finals

The Indian women’s hockey team sealed their place in the semi-finals of the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup in New Zealand 2026 with a 2-1 win over Japan in their second Group A match at the North Harbor National Hockey Center in Auckland on Tuesday.

Captain Salima Tete and forward Lalremsiami scored in either half for India, while Ai Hiramitsu found the net for Japan. The win, India’s second in as many matches, took them to six points and confirmed their place in the last four tournaments.

The opening half was even, with both sides enjoying periods of possession and creating scoring opportunities. However, neither team managed to break the deadlock before the break.

India made the breakthrough in the third quarter with a well-executed penalty corner routine. In the 33rd minute, Navneet Kaur’s cross was cleverly diverted by Nikki Pradhan into the path of Salim, who finished from close range to send India into the lead.

Japan responded almost immediately. Two minutes later, Hiramitsu converted from a penalty corner to level the scores and restore parity.

With the game tied heading into the final quarter, India regained the advantage in the 49th minute. Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam delivered a precise pass from the edge of the circle towards the goal area where Lalremsiami guided the ball into the net with a deft touch.

Japan came forward in the closing stages looking for an equaliser, but the Indian defense held on to secure all three points.

The match was also a significant milestone for midfielder Jyoti, who made her 100th senior international appearance for the national team.

India now top Group A with six points after wins over the United States and Japan. They face Uruguay in their final group stage match on June 18, while Japan and the United States battle it out for the other semi-final spot from the pool.

The Nations Cup serves as a qualifying tournament for next year’s FIH Pro League, adding further significance to India’s impressive start to the campaign.

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

June 16, 2026 10:37 AM IST