In a thrilling final match, India emerged victorious in the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy, defeating Japan 4-0 and securing their second title in the tournament’s history. The win was a testament to India’s determination and skill, with Sangita Kumari, Neha Goyal, Lalremsiami, and Vandana Katariya scoring the crucial goals.
The game started slowly, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm in the first quarter. However, Sangita Kumari provided a moment of brilliance early in the second quarter, displaying excellent finishing skills to give India the lead. Despite Japan’s resilient defense, Neha Goyal’s deflection from a well-executed penalty corner routine doubled India’s advantage, showcasing the team’s strategic prowess.
Japan had an opportunity to narrow the deficit with a penalty stroke, but Indian goalkeeper Savita Punia made a remarkable save, boosting her team’s confidence. In the fourth quarter, Lalremsiami extended India’s lead with a looping shot, and Vandana Katariya sealed the victory with another goal, ensuring India’s dominance on the field.
The win was not only a celebration of India’s remarkable performance but also marked their second Asian Champions Trophy triumph under the guidance of head coach Janneke Schopman. With seven wins in seven games, India showcased their prowess, scoring 27 goals while conceding only three throughout the tournament. The victory served as a perfect preparation for the upcoming Olympic qualifiers, reaffirming India’s status as a strong contender in international women’s hockey.
