The Indian women’s hockey team defeated Japan to win the Asian Champions Trophy. In the final at Ranchi, the hosts defeated Japan 4-0. Sangita Kumari (17th minute), Neha Goyal (46th minute), Lalremsiami (57th minute), and Vandana Katariya (60th minute) scored as India won the continental title for the second time, having won it in Singapore in 2016. This is India’s first trophy since December 2022, when the team led by Janneke Schopman won the FIH Nations Cup in Valencia to qualify for the Pro League.
The final was delayed by 50 minutes because one of the four floodlights at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh AstroTurf Hockey Stadium failed not turn on. Once the game began, India was at its dominant best, with the Indian men’s team in the audience cheering them on. In August, the men won the continental competition in Chennai. The hosts began by playing offensive hockey, quickly piercing Japan’s defence. Japan was living dangerously, and Deepika had a fantastic opportunity, but the forward took too long to miss out.
When Navneet Kaur made a superb run to the top of the Japanese striking circle, the deadlock was finally broken. She passed to Neha, who pushed the ball to Sangita, who put it beyond the line for her sixth goal of the tournament, much to the joy of the 10,000-strong audience.
After a few minutes, Japan equalised, however the goal was ruled out due to India’s referral. Savita Punia, the captain, was outstanding in goal, saving three consecutive penalty corners (PC). In the fourth quarter, she also saved a penalty shot.
Deepika passed to Deep Grace Ekka, who struck the ball and Neha in front of the goal, and India scored their second goal via a PC variation. Lalremsiami scored a PC for India’s third goal. Vandana completed it in the final minute. In the third-place playoff, China defeated South Korea 2-1.