The India Women’s Hockey Team won their third Asian Champions Trophy championship. With a hard-fought 1-0 victory over China at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar. Deepika emerged as the hero, hitting the game-winning goal in the third quarter. To give India back-to-back Asian Champions Trophy crowns, this time on home soil. The final was a closely contested match, with both teams demonstrating equal tenacity and talent throughout.
This was India’s third Women’s Asian Champions Trophy hockey victory, tying them with the Republic of Korea for the most wins in the tournament’s history. The Indian women won their first title in 2016 and then again in 2023. Both teams came close to scoring from penalty corners in the second quarter. China won a penalty corner within 12 minutes, and Tan Jinzhuang had some room to take a shot on goal.
China, who won silver medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics. They were caught off guard following the resumption, with the home team taking the lead. Interestingly, India’s missed penalty corner caught the Chinese defensive line off guard. The ball ultimately found its way to Deepika inside the circle via Navneet Kaur. Given time to turn, the Indian forward found an angle and scored her 11th goal of the tournament.
India’s victory over China was impressive
Deepika might have increased her tally and India’s advantage minutes later by winning a penalty shot. She took it on herself, only to see Chinese goalie Li Ting predict correctly and make a fantastic save. A two-goal lead would have made things easier for the host team in the third quarter, but the Indian defense held on stubbornly in the last quarter to win their sixth clean sheet of the tournament.
This win is a slap for the Sports Department of India as they did send their women’s team in the Paris Olympics 2024. India entered the final with a strong momentum after defeating Japan 2-0 in the semi-finals, while China sealed their position with a 3-1 victory over Malaysia. The final lived up to its reputation as an action-packed match, with both teams demonstrating remarkable talent and commitment.
