New Delhi [India], November 9 (ANI): Indian hockey participant Sangita Kumari, who was topped the ‘Rising Star’ of the recently-concluded Women’s Asian Champions Trophy, mentioned that profitable the title is likely one of the finest moments of her profession and he or she hopes to proceed performing the identical approach sooner or later.
The Indian Women’s Hockey Team on Sunday lifted the spirits of the jam-packed Ranchi crowd on the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium after they defeated Japan 4-0 within the Final to assert the gold medal within the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023. With targets from Jharkhand’s personal Sangita Kumari (17′), Neha (46′), Lalremsiami (57′) and Vandana Katariya (60′), India grabbed the celebrated title for the second time, with their earlier title win coming in 2016, as per a press launch from Hockey India.
Scoring a purpose within the Final of the event in entrance of house followers was an unforgettable second for Sangita Kumari, who described it as among the finest moments of her profession.
“I am grateful for the support staff, my teammates and coaches for trusting me and I am proud I was able to repay their faith. In a Final, it is always important to get an early goal and I am glad I was able to deliver for the team,” Sangita mentioned.
Sangita Kumari, the best purpose scorer for India with 6 targets within the event, additionally received the Rising Star of the Tournament Award. “This has been one of the best moments of my career. More than anything, I am just elated. I was able to contribute to our team’s win and I hope to continue in the same vein of form in the future,” Sangita added.
India had a dominant run within the event, going undefeated all through and profitable the trophy. The hosts India started the event with a 7-1 victory over Thailand, adopted by a 5-0 victory over Malaysia. India demonstrated their attacking and defensive prowess with 2-1 victories over China and Japan. India completed the round-robin stage on prime of the desk with 15 factors after defeating Korea 5-0. India superior to the Semi-Finals by defeating Korea 2-0 to safe their place within the Final.
Another star performer for the Indian group throughout the event was Jharkhand’s Salima Tete, who was introduced with the Jharkhand Player of the Tournament Award for her efficiency. Salima not solely scored 5 targets within the event but additionally created essential alternatives for India contained in the circle.
“It was an honour to perform in front of the home fans in an international tournament for the first time. A lot of friends and family were able to see me compete at the stadium, which really boosted my confidence and gave me strength to perform to the best of my abilities,” Salima mentioned.
In recognition of their distinctive title-winning efficiency, Hockey India introduced a reward of Rs 3.00 Lakhs for every member of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team and Rs 1.50 Lakhs for every member of the help workers.
“It was great to see the massive support from Ranchi fans for hockey during the tournament, who made their voices heard every time we stepped out on the field. Playing in front of home fans will be a memory that will remain with me for a lifetime,” Salima added.
The Indian Women’s Hockey Team will now return to Ranchi on the Women’s FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers scheduled to be held at Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh AstroTurf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand from January 13-21 2024. Veteran Indian defender Nikki Pradhan, who additionally hails from Jharkhand, believes India would have a bonus going into the event, having already performed on the stadium.
“It was great to see Ranchi fans being so loud and packing the stadium in numbers to cheer for us and we are thankful for their support. We have already played so many tight games here in this tournament and hence, now we are aware of the conditions, the turf, and the atmosphere. This would give us an advantage heading into the all-important Olympics Qualifiers in January,” Nikki Pradhan mentioned.
Eight groups will compete on the FIH Qualifiers in Ranchi with India being positioned in Pool B together with New Zealand, United States, and Italy. Germany, Japan, Chile, and the Czech Republic kind Pool A.
“We know there are some strong teams that will be competing alongside us. Our aim is to continue our dominance and get positive results. Having already played here, we know what to expect and we will work on the areas where we feel we need to improve before the FIH Olympics Qualifiers,” Nikki Pradhan signed off. (ANI)