Resolute Indian eves hold Japan to 1-1 draw in 4 Nations tourney

The Indian women's hockey team on Wednesday played out a 1-1 draw against Japan in their second game at the Four Nations tournament here in Australia.

Japan started off strongly, holding the possession and penetrating the Indian circle multiple times in the opening minutes of the game. India, weathered the storm though and were quick in the ascendancy, establishing control over the game.

India almost took the lead with their first attack of the game, as Poonam shuttled past the Japanese defense and shot on goal, only to be denied by Sakiyo Asano in Japan's goal. Two minutes later, Anuradha Thokchom sped through Japan's right side, and once at the baseline won a smart penalty corner, the first of the game. From the PC, India initiated a well-worked routine to take the lead. Sushila at the top of the circle, in the second battery, flicked the ball onto Poonam Rani's stick whose deflection beat Asano at the post. India had the lead with 7 minutes gone.

Further encouraged by the lead, India pressed on and created several chances which were blocked by Asano. A well worked move between Vandana Katariya and Deep Grace Ekka. Vandana's shot led to India winning their second PC of the game.

India missed the PC but were quickly awarded another and from it Grace drew a sharp save from Asano. The teams went into the break with India leading 1-0.

India started the second quarter from where they left, pressing Japan deep into their half and pressuring them constantly.

Against the run of play though, Japan won a PC and Hazuki Nagai converted it in the 19th minute to draw the teams level.

The two teams were locked in a technical battle after the equaliser as Japan, emboldened by their goal, started pressing forward, but India's strong defense ensured they went into half time on level terms.

Both teams played a cautious game in the second half, playing out most of the game in the midfield. India's defense held strong and performed brilliantly, even when they went a player down-first via a green card for Monika in the 39th minute and then a yellow for Sushila in the 49th minute.

India came closest to grabbing the win, winning a PC with two minutes of the game left, but the shot went wide, ensuring both teams would split the points and open their tally at the tournament.

India will next take on Australia in their final round robin match on Friday.