Ranchi (Jharkhand) [India], November 6 (ANI): The Indian Women’s Hockey Team lifted the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023 on Sunday evening in Ranchi after a surprising 4-0 victory over Japan within the ultimate, claiming the celebrated title for the second time.
The Indian Women’s Hockey Team will now goal to return to Ranchi and repeat this efficiency on the Women’s FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, scheduled to be held at Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh AstroTurf Hockey Stadium right here from January 13 to 19, 2024.
Speaking on the massive win, Indian Women’s Hockey Team Captain Savita defined why the title victory right here is essential for the crew.
“We came with a target. We wanted to set the record straight after the team fell short in the recent Asian Games. We wanted to claim the Gold medal here, especially since it was being held in India for the first time. We always take it one game at a time in every tournament. This time, the whole team had a point to prove and I am glad we were able to do so,” Savita stated, in line with a Hockey India press launch.
In recognition of their distinctive title-winning efficiency, which was marked by an unbeaten streak, Hockey India declared a reward of Rs 3 lakh for every member of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team and Rs 1.50 lakh for every member of the assist workers.
India confronted China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand within the round-robin stage of the match and gained all 5 video games to complete on prime of the desk with 15 factors. In the semi-final, India defeated Korea 2-0 to e book a date with Japan within the ultimate.
“The team played a lot of attacking hockey. We took the initiative as we have the players suited for it and everyone gave their best to make sure we stand on top of the podium. The aim has always been to bring our performances from practice to the pitch,” stated Savita.
“Now, for the Women’s FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, we have time to prepare and ensure we come back and perform to the best of our abilities,” Savita added.
The ultimate in opposition to Japan noticed Sangita Kumari, Neha, Lalremsiami, and Vandana Katariya rating to make sure India’s large win. Moreover, for his or her spectacular performances, Sangita Kumari, the very best goalscorer for India with 6 targets within the match, gained the Rising Star of the Tournament Award, Savita gained the Women Leader of the Tournament Award, Salima Tete gained the Jharkhand Player of the Tournament Award, and Deepika gained the Fan Choice Award for Best Goal.
Indian Women’s Hockey Team Chief Coach Janneke Schopman expressed appreciation for the efficiency and mentality of the crew all through the match, saying, “As a team, we played very well and the intent to be better was seen in every player. We played some scintillating hockey. I am really pleased with the team’s decision-making on the field.””The players chose to try variations on penalty corners depending on the situation. Neha risked a referral in the first quarter but she was confident and all those decisions worked in our favour. I like to see the decision-makers taking ownership,” she elaborated.
India scored a whopping 27 targets within the seven video games they performed in the course of the match to clinch the Maximum Team Goals Award as effectively.
“We have a lot of people who can score goals and some solid defenders. This is backed by the fact that we conceded only two goals from the penalty corner and no field goals. We know we are good enough to qualify for the Paris Olympics and now it is just a matter of showing that you can perform at the same level again in the Women’s FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers after two months,” the chief coach signed off. (ANI)