India squandered an early goal advantage.
Credit: PTI File Photo
Indian women entered the final of the Asia Cup Hockey in Hangzhou despite being held 1-1 by Japan in their last Super 4s match.
A win against Japan would have straightaway put India in the final against hosts China.
China had already sealed their berth in the final after defeating India earlier in the Super 4 stage.
But after the stalemate against defending champions, India had to wait for the result of the match between Korea and China, who have already qualified for the final.
Korea needed to win by a margin of at least two goals to qualify for the final, but China's victory ensured that India, the third-place finisher in the 2022 edition, made it to the summit clash.
India made a strong start, with Beauty Dung Dung putting them ahead in the seventh minute with a field goal. But Japan hit back late, as Kobayakawa Shiho scored the equaliser just two minutes from the hooter.
It was the second draw between the two sides in this tournament, after their pool-stage clash had also ended 2-2.
The winner of the Asia Cup secures direct qualification to the 2026 Women's World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands.
(with PTI inputs)