Rajgir (Bihar), November 21 (UITV)- The final match of the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024 Hockey was played between India and China on Wednesday at Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar. The Indian women’s hockey team performed brilliantly in the final match and defeated China 1-0 to win the Asian Champions Trophy title for the third time. The only goal of this historic victory of the Indian team was scored by Deepika at the beginning of the second half, which turned the whole match towards India.
From the beginning of the game, both the teams fought for every inch of territory. The defense on both sides was so strong that neither team could get close to scoring a goal in the first quarter. The first quarter ended without any goal due to no clear chance being created in the game.
In the second quarter, China started aggressively and quickly got a penalty corner. But India’s goalkeeper Bichu Devi stopped China’s Jinzhuang Tan’s shot with her alertness and brilliant jump. After this, India immediately retaliated and got a penalty corner. Deepika’s fast drag flick was stopped by Chinese goalkeeper Surong Wu. Both teams got a few more penalty corners, but none could convert them into a goal. The first half eventually ended with a score of 0-0.
India took an aggressive stance at the start of the third quarter. Within seconds of the half, the Indian team earned a penalty corner. However, after a mis-trap, Navneet passed the ball to Deepika on the left wing. Deepika took a brilliant reverse shot and sent the ball into the bottom right corner of the goal. The goal gave India a 1-0 lead and the atmosphere of the game became rousing for the Indian fans.
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After the goal, the Indian team maintained their dominance. Keeping China in their half, India intensified their efforts to score a second goal. In the last three minutes of the third quarter, China tried to make a comeback and moved the ball through the backline, but India’s sharp defensive strategy made China’s efforts futile. Deepika got another chance when she moved forward to take a penalty stroke, but Chinese goalkeeper Ting Li thwarted her attempt.
At the start of the last quarter, China attacked with full vigour and tried to equalise. However, India soon regained control of the game and thwarted China’s attacks. The Indian defence line closed all possible avenues and ensured that the Chinese team did not get any chance to score.
India maintained the 1-0 lead till the end on the back of its exemplary defence and strong performance and created history by winning the Asian Champions Trophy title for the third time.
After this spectacular victory, Hockey India announced a reward of Rs 3 lakh to all the players and Rs 1.5 lakh to the support staff. With this victory, the Asian Hockey Federation also announced a reward for the podium finishers for the first time in the history of the competition. India received a prize of US $ 10,000, while China and Japan were given US $ 7,000 and US $ 5,000 respectively.
Deepika was the hero of the Indian team’s victory. Her brilliant reverse shot not only gave the team the lead, but also proved to be the only goal of the game. Her aggression and ability to take timely decisions elevated India’s performance throughout the game.
This victory holds special significance for the Indian women’s hockey team. With this title win, India once again proved its Asian supremacy. This title is a symbol of the discipline, teamwork and excellence of the Indian team.
After this spectacular victory in Rajgir, expectations have increased regarding the performance of the Indian women’s hockey team. This victory will not only boost the confidence of the team but will also make India a strong contender in the upcoming international tournaments.
This victory not only made India proud but also made this international tournament held for the first time in Bihar historic. This achievement of the Indian team is an important step towards promoting women’s hockey and taking it to new heights.
