The India Women’s Hockey Team clinched their third Asian Champions Trophy title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over a determined China at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar. Deepika emerged as the hero, scoring the sole decisive goal in the third quarter, securing back-to-back Asian Champion’s Trophy titles for India and that too, on home soil. The final was a tightly contested affair, with both sides displaying equal tenacity and skill throughout.
India started with an aggressive approach, pressing high from the outset. However, China gradually adapted to the game’s tempo and countered with equal vigour, creating a thrilling back-and-forth battle. The breakthrough came in the third quarter when Deepika’s precise strike broke the deadlock from a penalty corner, much to the delight of the packed home crowd. Despite China’s relentless efforts to level the score, India’s defence held firm, denying any scoring opportunities even from the penalty corner spot.
Although the goalscorer, Deepika, missed an opportunity to make it 2-0 for India after missing a penalty stroke, her earlier brilliance proved to be enough to bring glory to her side.
With this historic title win, India are now at level with South Korea for the most Women’s Asian Champion’s Trophy titles, with three a piece. With their men’s counterparts having scripted a similarly dominant title defence in the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy by beating the same opponents in China, the win became a huge boost for hockey and its growth and popularity in India.
India entered the final with high momentum, having defeated Japan 2-0 in the semi-final, while China secured their spot with a 3-1 victory over Malaysia. The final lived up to its billing as an action-packed encounter, with both teams showcasing exceptional skills and determination.
