Japan were crowned champion at the Women’s Asia Cup Muscat 2022, after they defeated Korea by four goals to two.
The Cherry Blossoms had to come from behind in the final as they went 1-0 down in the opening quarter to a Korea team that had looked seemingly unbeatable in this competition.
However, Japan had been enjoying their own rich vein of form during the tournament and goals from captain Yuri Nagai, Kanon Mori and two from Kaho Tanaka sealed a fantastic tournament for Head Coach Jude Menezes and his team.
Korea’s Cheon Eunbi was the tournament’s top scorer with seven goals.
The result is Japan’s third Asia Cup title, adding to victories in 2007 and 2013. They are now on a par with Korea, with three titles to their name.
In the earlier bronze medal match between India and China, two goals from penalty corners, scored by Sharmila Devi (13’) and Gurjit Kaur (19’) ensured the 2017 champions left Oman with a medal.
The match was hard-fought throughout and China also had plenty of opportunities to get back on level terms but the India defence held strong, answering Head Coach Janneke Schopman’s call for a solid defence from which to spring attacks.
All four teams involved in the medal matches had already secured qualification spots for the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup Spain and Netherlands 2022.
Final standings:
1. Japan- qualified for FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup Spain and Netherlands 2022
2. Korea - qualified for World Cup
3. India - qualified for World Cup
4. China - qualified for World Cup
5. Malaysia
6. Thailand
7. Singapore
8. Indonesia
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