Hockey

WATCH- India erupts in joy after triumph in Women’s Asian Champions Trophy

India emerged victorious in the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy, defeating Japan 4-0 in a thrilling final. Sangita Kumari, Neha Goyal, Lalremsiami, and Vandana Katariya etched their names on the scorecard with their remarkable goals, propelling India to the championship title.

The opening quarter of the match was a cautious affair, with both India and Japan struggling to find their rhythm and create clear-cut scoring opportunities. The lack of quality on display prevented either team from establishing control over the game’s tempo. However, Sangita Kumari, who has been a source of inspiration for India throughout the tournament, provided a moment of brilliance early in the second quarter. Kumari broke the deadlock and gave India a much-needed foothold in the match. Japan, however, responded with a determined defensive display, effectively shutting down India’s attacking threats. 

India faced some defensive pressure towards the end of the third quarter as Japan forced a series of penalty corners. However, the Indian defence, led by goalkeeper Savita Punia, stood firm, repelling all of Japan’s attempts. The final quarter saw India take complete control of the match. They asserted their dominance from the outset, leaving the capacity crowd in Ranchi in awe of their performance. Neha Goyal, who had an outstanding game, doubled India’s lead with a deflection after a clever penalty corner routine.

This is India’s second triumph in the tournament 

With India leading 2-0, Japan was presented with an opportunity to sneak back into the game when they were awarded a penalty stroke. However, Punia held her nerve and made a remarkable save to deny the Japanese. India sealed the game with two more goals, one by Lalremsiami and then another by Katariya.

✨ Start your Monday morning with this fabulous update folks ✨

Women Hockey: India WIN Asian Champions Trophy title.

India beat defending Champion Japan 4-0 in Final.
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— India_AllSports (@India_AllSports) November 6, 2023

Despite Japan’s repeated attempts to break through India’s resilient defence, the Indian backline remained vigilant and didn’t allow the Japanese to convert any of the chances that they created. India’s defensive prowess proved to be a key factor in their dominant display. This triumph marks India’s second Asian Champions Trophy title, with the first one coming in 2016. Under the guidance of head coach Janneke Schopman, India has consistently displayed their prowess, securing their second silverware after the FIH Nations Cup victory.