Image credits: X(Hockey India)
In a thrilling display of grit and determination, the Indian women’s hockey team etched their name in history by defeating Olympic silver medallists China 1-0 to claim the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024 title. The fiercely contested final at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium on Wednesday saw India retain their crown, marking their second consecutive ACT triumph after their victory in Ranchi last year.
A Fierce Battle in Rajgir
The final was nothing short of a spectacle as the two teams locked horns in front of a roaring capacity crowd. Deepika, India’s rising star and the tournament’s top scorer, delivered the decisive goal in the 31st minute, ensuring India held their ground against relentless Chinese attacks.
The match began with China launching aggressive moves, creating chances within the first three minutes. However, Sushila Chanu and Salima Tete anchored the Indian defence, thwarting early threats and electrifying the crowd with counterattacks.
China continued to press hard and nearly struck gold in the 10th minute, but a timely intervention by Sharmila Devi shifted the momentum. India, too, came close to scoring twice in the opening quarter but couldn’t capitalize on their chances.
Image credits: X(Hockey India)
Turning the Tide in the Second Quarter
The second quarter saw a flurry of action, with both teams earning penalty corners. China had their first opportunity in the 18th minute, but Indian goalkeeper Bichu Devi made a stunning save to keep the scores level. Shortly after, India won their first penalty corner, but the Chinese defence remained unyielding.
India’s inability to convert penalty corners persisted, as another attempt by Beauty Dung Dung went wide just before halftime.
Deepika’s Magic in the Third Quarter
India emerged stronger in the third quarter, and their persistence paid off in the 31st minute. Deepika, demonstrating her skill and composure, weaved past two defenders and struck the ball into the net, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The goal not only gave India the lead but also a psychological edge over their formidable opponents.
The Indian attack grew sharper, with Sangita Kumari dazzling fans with her dribbling skills. Despite her brilliance, the final touch eluded the team. India was handed another golden opportunity in the 42nd minute when they earned a penalty stroke after Deepika was fouled in the circle. However, Deepika’s tame effort was saved by Chinese goalkeeper Li Ting, leaving Indian fans disappointed.
Image credits: X(Hockey India)
Final Quarter Drama
The final quarter tested India’s nerves as China ramped up their efforts to find an equalizer. Despite sustained pressure, the Indian defence held firm, with stellar contributions from the backline ensuring that China could not breach their fort. Meanwhile, India’s struggles with penalty corner conversions continued, squandering yet another opportunity to extend their lead.
As the clock ticked down, the atmosphere at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium turned euphoric. The crowd began chanting “India, India” in unison, and when the final hooter blew, celebrations erupted across the stadium, cementing India’s status as Asia’s finest.
A Triumph of Resilience and New Beginnings
This victory marks a significant milestone for Harendra Singh, India’s new coach, who took over earlier this year. After the disappointment of failing to qualify for the Paris Olympics, Singh’s leadership and tactical acumen have rejuvenated the team, leading them to their first major title under his guidance.
Deepika was the star of the tournament, earning the Top Goal Scorer and Player of the Tournament awards for her remarkable performances. Japan’s Yu Kudo, the tournament’s standout goalkeeper, won the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament award.
India’s Legacy in ACT
This triumph underscores India’s dominance in the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy, as they secure their third title overall and second consecutive victory. The journey was a testament to the team’s resilience, skill, and determination to overcome challenges and claim their place at the pinnacle of Asian hockey.
With this victory, the Indian women’s hockey team has sent a resounding message: they are here to lead, inspire, and make history. As the final whistle blew in Rajgir, the eternal roar of their achievement echoed far beyond the stadium, uniting a nation in celebration.
