Credits: Hockey India
On November 20, the Indian Women’s Hockey Team defended their Women’s Asian Championships Trophy title as they recorded a 1-0 win over China. The game at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar saw Deepika emerging as the hero and scored the sole goal of the game which turned out to be a decisive goal for the side. This is India’s third Women’s Asian Championships Trophy and that too consecutively. The final was filled with high octane drama and a brilliant display of skills and passion from both the sides.
The game started with the hosts displaying an aggressive approach and pressing high from the outset. However, their rivals, China gradually adapted to the game and displayed equal passion and in no time, the game turned into a thundering drama. In the third quarter, Deepika displayed presence of mind and her strike finally led to the first goal of the game. China tried to break into India’s defence, but the hosts’ defence held firm and denied any opportunity even from the penalty corner.
India level South Korea with most titles
With their three and historic win, India now level South Africa with most titles in the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy titles. On the other hand, the Indian men’s hockey team has also scripted a similar kind of title defence in the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy when they beat China.
Notably, Indian women had defeated Japan 2-0 in the semi-final while China made it to the final summit by defeating Malaysia 3-1. Deepika Sehrawat took home the top-scorer and Player of the Tournament award as she scored her 11th goal in the game. The Bihar Government announced a cash award of INR 10 Lakh for each player and Harendra and INR 5 Lakh for other staff, whereas Hockey India announced a cash prize of INR 3 Lakh for each player and INR 1.5 Lakh for each support staff member.
