After a dominant display by the men’s hockey team in the Asia Cup 2017, it was the women’s time to shine and stamp their authority with an unbeaten run in the said tournament – being held in Kakamighara, Japan.
After drawing 1-1 in regulation time, India edged out China 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out to register a historic win and their second Asia Cup title. India last won it back in 2004, when they handily beat Japan in the final. Here too, India took out defending champions/hosts Japan 4-2 in the semi-final to book a berth against China in the final. With the win, not only have India exacted sweet revenge of their 2009 loss to China, they have also qualified for the FIH World Cup in 2018 – a double whammy indeed!
Rani Rampal
Navjot Kaur gave India the lead in the 25th minute before China’s Tiantain Luo equalized through a penalty corner in the 47th – eventually taking the game into a shoot-out. In a thrilling penalty shoot-out that drew at 4-4 after five regular shots were fired, the match went into sudden death. Captain Rani Rampal held her nerve to score the soon-to-be-winner in the final nerve-wracking moments of a tense encounter before goalkeeper Savita pulled a magical save to deny China the win. While Savita was adjudged Goalkeeper of the Tournament, Monica won Woman of the Match.
© Hockey India
New coach Harendra Singh and new captain Rani Rampal have breathed new life into the women’s hockey team. After failing to qualify in 2014, India have now moved up a spot to rank third in Asia – and are en route to the Hockey World Cup 2018.
Also Read: 20 Incredibly Inspiring Indian sportswomen!
– Varun Kumar | SpreadSports
