Auckland, June 16 (HS): The Indian women's hockey team secured a place in the semifinals of the FIH Women's Hockey Nations Cup 2026 with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Japan in their Pool A match on Tuesday. The win, India's second consecutive triumph in the tournament, took the team to the top of the standings.
At the North Harbour National Hockey Centre, captain Salima Tete and Lalremsiami scored for India, while Ai Hiramitsu netted Japan's lone goal.
The match was also a milestone for Indian midfielder Jyoti, who made her 100th international appearance.
After a goalless first half, India broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute through Salima Tete from a well-worked penalty-corner move. Japan responded quickly, with Hiramitsu equalising in the 35th minute.
Lalremsiami scored the match-winner in the 49th minute, finishing off a precise pass from Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam to restore India's lead.
With victories over the United States and Japan, India have collected six points and confirmed their place in the semifinals.
India will play Uruguay in their final Pool A fixture on June 18, while Japan and the United States will battle for the remaining semifinal berth.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar
