India defeats China in a nail-biting final to secure their third Asian Champions Trophy title, showcasing the resilience and determination of the women’s hockey team. The victory at Rajgir marked a significant milestone in Indian hockey, reflecting the team’s dedication and the vision of chief coach Harendra Singh.
A Historic Win on Home Soil
India’s triumph over China in the 2024 Women’s Asian Champions Trophy final was not just a victory; it was a statement of resurgence. Held at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar, this win equaled India’s record of three titles, previously achieved in 2016 in Singapore and 2023 in Ranchi.
Under Harendra Singh’s leadership, the Indian team emerged as a rejuvenated force after missing qualification for the Paris Olympics, proving their mettle and determination.
The match began with both teams displaying cautious aggression, fighting for every inch of the pitch. Despite India’s persistent attempts in the first two quarters, they failed to break through China’s staunch defense.
Read : India Win 5th Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Title After Beating Resolute China
However, the tide turned in the third quarter when star forward Deepika Sehrawat scored the decisive goal. Her reverse shot, delivered with precision and composure, sealed India’s victory, igniting celebrations across the stadium.
Deepika Sehrawat: The Star of the Tournament
Deepika Sehrawat was undoubtedly the backbone of India’s campaign. She ended the tournament as the top scorer and was named Player of the Tournament, thanks to her incredible tally of 11 goals.
Her performance in the final demonstrated her ability to perform under pressure, converting a crucial opportunity early in the second half.
INDIA ARE ASIAN CHAMPIONS 2024 🏆🇮🇳
— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) November 20, 2024
India defeated Paris Olympic Silver Medalist China 1-0 in an Final and remains unbeaten throughout the tournament with a dominating performance.
WELL DONE GIRLS, INDIA IS SO PROUD 👏pic.twitter.com/HiGKEbmo8S
Throughout the tournament, Deepika’s consistency and attacking flair were pivotal. Whether it was her decisive runs, clinical finishing, or composure in critical moments, she proved to be an indispensable asset for the team.
Her contributions were not only instrumental in securing the title but also in establishing India as a dominant force in Asian women’s hockey.
A Glimpse into the Final Moments
The final match was a testament to the resilience and tactical acumen of the Indian team. While the opening quarter saw both teams trading circle entries without clear scoring chances, India began to assert control in the second quarter, earning several penalty corners. However, the Chinese defense, led by goalkeeper Wu Surong, held firm.
The breakthrough came seconds into the third quarter. A mis-trap during a penalty corner recovery led to Navneet Kaur setting up Deepika on the left. Her reverse shot slipped past the Chinese goalkeeper, breaking the deadlock.
China attempted to fight back, creating opportunities and applying pressure in the final quarter. India, however, stood resilient. Goalkeeper Bichu Devi’s outstanding save from a penalty corner in the second quarter and the defensive unit’s composure under pressure ensured that the one-goal advantage remained intact until the final whistle.
Celebrations and Rewards
The victory brought immense joy to the players, the coaching staff, and the fans. The Bihar government announced a cash award of ₹10 lakh for each player and the chief coach, and ₹5 lakh for the support staff. Additionally, Hockey India announced ₹3 lakh for each player and ₹1.5 lakh for the support staff.
The tournament not only highlighted the talent within the Indian team but also showcased the immense support for women’s hockey in the country. Harendra Singh’s return as the coach has reinvigorated the team, laying the foundation for future success as they rebuild for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
India’s win over China in the 2024 Women’s Asian Champions Trophy final was a historic moment, symbolizing resilience, skill, and determination. With Deepika Sehrawat leading the charge and the team executing their strategies effectively, this victory will inspire a new generation of players and fans. The Indian women’s hockey team has once again proven its potential, and their journey forward promises to be even more exciting.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏