Golden chance gone
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No gold in hockey as Asia No. 1 women lose to Japan in final; direct berth to Tokyo missed
Vinayak Padmadeo
The Indian women’s team will have to wait another four years for a shot at the Asian Games gold — they were beaten 2-1 by Japan in this edition’s final. At the end when the hooter went, the Japanese team circled around its coaching staff and, beginning with chief coach Anthony James Farry, tossed all staff members up in the air to celebrate their maiden Asiad gold. The Indians were shocked, on their haunches, looking at each other, trying to hold back tears after missing a golden chance to earn a direct qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.