After defeating the Republic of Korea 2-0 in the semi-finals at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand, India advanced to the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2023 final.
The Indian women’s hockey team scored goals through Salima Tete (11′) and Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke (19′), while South Korea was unable to muster a point. With the victory, India advances to the championship match against the reigning champions, Japan, who defeated the People’s Republic of China in the other semifinal.
Global No. 12 In the opening minutes of play, South Korea—the team with the most titles in the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy hockey—came out firing and placed pressure on the Indian defence.
But India, ranked seventh in the international hockey rankings, turned the tide and launched an offensive after weathering the early storm. India had plenty of opportunities, and in the fourth minute, Navneet Kaur came dangerously close to giving her side the lead.
India, who defeated South Korea 5-0 in their last group game on Friday, were undoubtedly the more powerful team in the first half. Local player Salima Tete scored the first goal of the game following a great team move that started in the Indian half. India continued to create numerous opportunities in the second quarter by distributing the ball quickly. At the 20-minute mark, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke doubled India’s lead with a penalty corner.
The Indian women’s hockey team controlled the tempo and slowed the game down with a two-goal lead. Korea attempted to play more aggressively in an attempt to score, but the Indian midfield and defence worked in unison to keep them out. India led 2-0 as the first quarter came to a close.
India played more passively in the second half, giving the Koreans greater possession. In the third quarter, Korea earned three penalty corners compared to India’s one. But the Indian hockey team’s defence held onto their two-goal advantage and won the game to guarantee their spot in the championship.
Only once before, in 2016, did India win the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy hockey championship.