New Delhi: Ahead of the Asian Champions Trophy, chief coach Harendra Singh promised a revamped version of the Indian women’s hockey team in Rajgir. In his first tournament after returning to the role, his focus was on building a solid foundation, boosting the confidence of players who had lost morale after missing out on Paris 2024, and laying the groundwork for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
On Wednesday, Harendra fulfilled his goal by winning the tournament on his ‘matrabhoomi,’ as India defeated China 1-0 in the final to retain the continental title. The team also took home a $10,000 prize, awarded by the Asian Hockey Federation, at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium.
Once again, it was Deepika Sehrawat, who claimed both the Top Scorer and Player of the Tournament awards, who made the crucial difference. The forward scored her 11th goal of the tournament just a minute after halftime, securing the ACT title for the hosts for the third time, following wins in Singapore 2016 and Ranchi 2023.
For the fourth consecutive match, India failed to convert in the first two quarters but came out with renewed energy in the third to break the deadlock.
The game saw both teams fiercely contest every inch of territory, trading circle entries but failing to get shots on goal. In the final minutes of the first quarter, India strung together a series of quick passes to break into the shooting circle, but the Chinese defense held firm, marking the forwards closely and preventing any clear goal-scoring chances.
China took the initiative in the second quarter, earning a penalty corner (PC) just two minutes in. However, goalkeeper Bichu Devi displayed remarkable reflexes, leaping to her right to block a close-range shot from Tan Jinzhuang. India responded by earning four PCs, but neither Navneet Kaur’s nor Udita Duhan’s variations worked, and drag-flicker Deepika couldn’t convert.
However, just moments into the third quarter, India earned their fifth PC. Although the initial attempt ended in a mis-trap, India quickly recovered. Navneet passed the ball to Deepika on the left side of the circle, where she controlled it with ease and fired a reverse shot into the bottom right corner, finding the gap between the goalkeeper and defender.
In search of a second goal, India pushed higher up the field, pinning China in their own half. With three minutes left in the quarter, China attempted to regain control by rotating the ball along their backline, but India intercepted and launched a counterattack with Deepika. She was fouled just inside the circle, earning a penalty stroke. However, Ting Li made a brilliant save, diving to her right to deny Deepika’s low shot, keeping China in the game.
As the final quarter began, China came out with renewed determination, pressing forward in search of an equalizer. India responded and earned a penalty corner, but Sushila’s shot was kicked away by goalkeeper Wu Surong.
China continued to push for a goal, but India’s defense stood strong, holding firm.
The Bihar Government announced a cash reward of ₹10 lakh for each player and coach Harendra, while the other support staff were awarded ₹5 lakh each. Hockey India also recognized the team’s performance, offering ₹3 lakh for each player and ₹1.5 lakh for each support staff member.
In the third-place match, Japan defeated Malaysia 4-1 to claim third place.
