Deepika stars as host beat China 1-0

Reigning champions India riding on young forward Deepika Sherawat  (31’) second half goal edged past China in the final of the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) 2024 that was played at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium on Wednesday. The Salima Tete lead Indian team won their third continental title after having won it in 2016 and 2023 respectively and joined Korea in doing so.

Former champions Japan earlier in the day finished third on the podium after defeating Malaysia 4-1 in the third-fourth place classification match that was played at the Maulana Mazharul Haque Stadium in Patna.

The week-long tournament was a resounding success, drawing immense support from fans and setting a new benchmark for women’s hockey in the region.

The summit clash between both the teams was a fiercely contested one for every inch of territory in the initial phase, trading circle entries without managing any shots on goal. It was an intense, end-to-end battle, but neither side could find the finishing touch for most of the quarter. In the final minutes of the quarter, India strung together a series of quick passes to penetrate the shooting circle. However, the Chinese defense stayed resilient, closely marking the rival forwards to prevent any clear goal scoring opportunities and the first quarter ended goalless.

The second quarter saw the Paris Olympics 2024 Silver medallists China make a strong start and earned a penalty corner within two minutes, but the agile Indian custodian Bichu Devi Kharibamshowcased her catlike reflexes by leaping high to swat away a close-range shot from Jinzhuang Tan. India immediately responded by earning a penalty corner in the very next minute, but Deepika's drag flick was brilliantly saved by the Chinese goalkeeper Surong Wu. Both teams earned another set of penalty corners soon after, but could find the back of the net. The game continued to be an intense affair but goalless at the end of the first half.

Change of ends saw India off the blocks within seconds of the start of play and earned another penalty corner. A miss-trap, resulted in India vice-captain Navneet Kaur’s quick pass to Deepika on the left wing of the circle, who found the bottom right corner of the goal with a stinging reverse shot to ensure the host the lead in the game. In search of a second goal, India pressed higher and pegged China back into their own half. With three minutes left in the quarter, China began rotating the ball along the backline to gain control but India won the ball and set Deepika on a solo counter as she dodged past three defenders and was fouled inside the striking circle. The ensuing penalty stroke, a feeble attempt, by Deepika however was saved by Ting li on the line to keep China in the game.

As the final quarter began, the world ranked six team China showed greater resolve, pressing forward with determination. However, India, ranked ninth quickly regained control, pushing the visitors back and earning a penalty corner within two minutes but Sushila’s shot was easily kicked away by Surong Wu in goal. The reigning Asian Games Hangzhou 2023 champions rallied and intensified their pursuit for an equalizer, but the Harendra Singh coached Indian defense remained impenetrable, effectively shutting down all avenues. In the end, India's exemplary defense ensured they retained the title in front of their die hard supporters.

Hockey India declared a reward of Rs.3 Lakh each for all players and Rs. .5 Lakh each for all support staff following the Indian Women’s Hockey Team's triumphant victory Adding to this moment, the Asian Hockey Federation has also announced a reward for podium finishers for the very first time in the competition's history. India will receive a substantial USD 10,000, while China and Japan will be awarded USD 7,000 and USD 5,000 respectively.

The Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Bihar government too decided to award Rs. 10 Lakh to each and every playing member of the team. In addition to this, India Chief Coach Harendra Singh too would receive with Rs 10. Lakh, while the rest of the support staff Rs. 5 Lakh each.

In addition to team prizes, individual players too were honored for their exceptional contributions:

• AHF Most Promising Goalkeeper: Nasir Siti (Malaysia) – USD 500
• AHF Best Goalkeeper: Kudo Yu (Japan) – USD 500
• AHF Rising Star: Tan Jinzhuang (China) – USD 500
• AHF Top Scorer: Deepika Sherawat (India) – USD 1,000
• Bihar Best Player of the tournament: Deepika Sherawat (India) – USD 2,000