Finance
The Indian women’s hockey team lifted the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023 on Sunday night after a stunning 4-0 victory over Japan in the Final, claiming the prestigious title for the second time and fulfilling an aim it began with.
The Indian women’s hockey team plans to attempt a return to Ranchi and replicate their achievement in the Women’s FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, scheduled to take place from January 13-19, 2024, at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh AstroTurf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
Savita Punia, captain of the Indian women’s hockey team, emphasized why the title winning here is so crucial for the team.
“We came with a target. We wanted to set the record straight after the team fell short in the recent Asian Games. Wanted to claim the gold medal here, especially since it was being held in India for the first time. We always take it one game at a time in every tournament. This time, the whole team had a point to prove and I am glad we were able to do so,” Savita said.
In appreciation of their extraordinary title-winning performance, highlighted by an unbroken streak, Hockey India announced an award of Rs 3.00 lakh for each member of the Indian squad and Rs 1.50 lakh for each member of the support staff.
In the tournament’s round-robin stage, India faced China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand and won all five games to finish first with 15 points. India defeated Korea 2-0 in the semifinals to get to the Final against Japan.
“The team played a lot of attacking hockey. We took the initiative as we have the players suited for it and everyone gave their best to make sure we stand on top of the podium,” she said.
“Furthermore, the aim has always been to bring our performances from practice to the pitch. With ample time to prepare for the Women’s FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, we will ensure we come back and perform to the best of our abilities,” Savita emphasized.
Sangita Kumari, Neha, Lalremsiami, and Vandana Katariya scored in the final against Japan to secure India’s overwhelming victory. In recognition of her outstanding efforts, the tournament organizers named Sangita Kumari, India’s leading goal scorer with five goals in the tournament, as the Rising Star of the tournament.
The tournament organizers named Savita Women Leader of the Tournament, awarded Salima Tete the title of Jharkhand Player of the Tournament, and recognized Deepika as the Fan Choice Award winner for Best Goal.
Janneke Schopman, the team’s Chief Coach, expressed gratitude for the team’s performance and mentality during the competition.
She said, “As a team, every player showed the intent to be better, and we played very well. We executed some scintillating hockey. I am really pleased with the team’s decision-making on the field.”
“The players chose to try variations on penalty corners depending on the situation. Neha risked a referral in the first quarter but she was confident and all those decisions worked in our favour. I like to see the decision-makers taking ownership,” she elaborated.
India scored a whopping 27 goals in the seven games they played during the tournament to clinch the Maximum Team Goals Award as well.
“We have a lot of people who can score goals and some solid defenders. This is backed by the fact that we conceded only two goals from the penalty corner and no field goals. We know we are good enough to qualify for the Paris Olympics and now it is just a matter of showing that you can perform at the same level again in the Women’s FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers after two months,” the chief coach signed off,” she said.
Source:IANS
