The Indian women’s hockey team secured the Asian Champions Trophy by defeating Japan, dethroning them in the final match held in Ranchi on November 5, 2023, with a resounding 4-0 victory. Sangita Kumari (17th minute), Neha Goyal (46th minute), Lalremsiami (57th minute), and Vandana Katariya (60th minute) contributed goals as India secured their second continental championship, previously triumphing in 2016 in Singapore. The commencement of the final match faced a 50-minute delay due to a malfunctioning floodlight at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh AstroTurf Hockey Stadium. When the game finally began, India showcased their dominant performance, with the Indian men’s team in the audience providing enthusiastic support.
The hosts initiated the game with an aggressive style of play, quickly penetrating Japan’s defensive lines. Japan found themselves in a precarious position, and Deepika had a promising opportunity, but she hesitated and missed the chance.
The long-standing deadlock was ultimately broken when Navneet Kaur executed a remarkable run into the heart of Japan’s striking circle. She then delivered a pass to Neha, who deftly nudged the ball to Sangita. The player from Jharkhand skillfully guided the ball past the goal line, securing her sixth goal of the tournament to the delight of the 10,000-strong crowd.
Japan managed to equalize shortly thereafter, but their goal was disallowed following India’s referral. Captain Savita Punia displayed exceptional goalkeeping skills by thwarting three consecutive penalty corner (PC) opportunities and even making a crucial save on a penalty stroke during the final quarter. India netted their second goal through a penalty corner (PC) variation as Deepika passed to Deep Grace Ekka, who fired the ball, and Neha was in front of the goal to capitalize. India added their third when Lalremsiami found the mark from a PC, and Vandana sealed the victory in the last minute.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has hailed the Indian Women’s Hockey Team on winning the Gold medal at Asian Champions Trophy 2023.
The Prime Minister posted on X:
“India’s Nari Shakti excels yet again!
Congratulations to our stellar hockey team for clinching the prestigious Gold at the Asian Champions Trophy 2023! Their outstanding display of skill, unwavering passion and relentless determination has indeed filled our hearts with pride.
Well done to the champions for elevating the nation’s glory on the international stage!”
India’s Nari Shakti excels yet again!
Congratulations to our stellar hockey team for clinching the prestigious Gold at the Asian Champions Trophy 2023! Their outstanding display of skill, unwavering passion and relentless determination has indeed filled our hearts with pride.… pic.twitter.com/rtf6PnjxK0
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 6, 2023
