Rajgir: The Indian Women’s Hockey Team delivered a commanding 3-0 win against China in their penultimate group stage match at the Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024. The victory at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium solidified India’s position at the top of the table and further elevated Deepika, who now leads the tournament’s goal-scoring chart with eight goals.
Goals by Sangita Kumari (32’), Salima Tete (37’), and Deepika (60’) underscored a well-rounded team performance in the highly anticipated clash. India dominated proceedings right from the start, creating early chances and dictating the tempo with sharp passing and clever movement.
The match began with India’s Deepika earning a penalty corner in the opening seconds. Despite a powerful flick, China’s goalkeeper Surong Wu made a crucial save. India kept the pressure on, with Sharmila’s penetrating run and combination play with Sunelita Toppo and Deepika threatening the Chinese defense. However, the first quarter ended goalless as both teams displayed strong defensive setups.
China grew into the game in the second quarter, launching counter-attacks that tested Indian keeper Bichu Devi. Yanan Xu’s reverse tomahawk from the left wing narrowly missed the target, while India earned multiple penalty corners but failed to convert. The deadlock persisted despite the high-paced exchanges, leaving the match finely poised at halftime.
India emerged stronger in the third quarter. Sangita Kumari broke the deadlock with a deft deflection off Sushila’s pinpoint pass. Minutes later, Preeti Dubey’s drive along the baseline set up Salima Tete, who slotted the ball into the net to double India’s lead. China struggled to regain composure as India intensified their attacks, but the scoreline remained unchanged heading into the final quarter.
China pressed hard in the last quarter, controlling possession in search of a goal. However, India’s defensive unit held firm, with keeper Bichu Devi standing tall. In the final moments, India earned a penalty corner after a counter-attack, and Deepika capitalized on China’s empty goal, delivering a powerful drag flick to seal the 3-0 victory.
The win showcased India’s growing dominance in the tournament, with Deepika’s exceptional form and the team’s cohesive play drawing attention. The result puts India in an excellent position as they gear up for their final group-stage match and the knockout rounds.
The Indian Women’s Hockey Team’s performance has not only boosted their championship aspirations but also reaffirmed their place as a formidable force in Asian hockey.