India’s focus leading up to the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in Rajgir revolved around scoring goals. Could they convert open-play chances? Would their Penalty Corner struggles finally end? However, their championship-winning night against China highlighted their defense as much as their attack.
The final, decided by a narrow 1-0 victory, showcased India’s resilience. With 12 minutes left in the first half, China earned a Penalty Corner. Tan Jinzhuang attempted a powerful shot, but Indian goalkeeper Bichu Devi displayed extraordinary reflexes. Diving swiftly to her right, she deflected the ball just in time, denying China an early lead.
Had China scored first, the game could have taken a different turn. They might have resorted to a defensive strategy, frustrating India. However, India’s defensive resolve stood firm throughout the tournament.
The decisive moment came early in the third quarter when Deepika scored the winning goal. Following a misstep during a Penalty Corner injection, she seized the opportunity and struck a powerful reverse hit. Her shot pierced through the Chinese defense, securing India’s lead. Although Deepika later missed a Penalty Stroke, she emerged as the tournament’s top scorer with 11 goals and was named Player of the Tournament.
Under coach Harendra Singh, India dominated the tournament, winning all seven matches. They scored 29 goals, conceded only two, and kept six clean sheets. Speaking after the win, Harendra called the victory a “tonic” for the team but emphasized the importance of staying grounded.
“This is a good start, but we have a long way to go,” Harendra said. “We’re building a process, and the team has shown both attacking hockey and solid defense. There’s no room for complacency.”
Harendra also acknowledged that the tournament is just the beginning of India’s journey toward the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Key events like the 2026 World Cup and Asian Games remain the real tests.
Looking ahead, Harendra plans to work with a core group of 40 players, leaving the door open for experienced players like Vandana Katariya, Nikki Pradhan, Sonika, and Monika. However, strong performances from youngsters such as Sunelita Toppo, Vaishnavi Phalke, and Beauty Dungdung have raised the bar, ensuring healthy competition within the squad.
The 2024 edition posed challenges for Harendra. India had to defend their title from last year but faced a tricky balance. A win was expected, given the inexperienced squads from other teams like Japan and China. Yet, a loss would have been a significant setback.
India’s performance underlined their growth and adaptability. While this title is just the start, it provides confidence and clarity for the road ahead.
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