By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: The Indian women’s hockey team, fresh off their victory in the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024, received a grand welcome at Gaya Airport on Thursday as they departed for Delhi. India secured the championship by defeating Olympic silver medallists China 1-0 in the final, held at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar.
The team’s star player, Deepika, scored the decisive goal in the final, marking her 11th goal of the tournament and earning her the title of “Golden Girl.” Led by Captain Salima Tete, the Indian women’s team dominated the competition, going unbeaten throughout and defeating Japan in the semi-finals before their victory against China.
As the players arrived at Gaya Airport, they were greeted with cheers, applause, and slogans of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” by an enthusiastic crowd. Members of the district administration, local residents, and travellers from various countries gathered to congratulate the players on their historic win.
The majority of the 15-member team departed for Delhi from Gaya Airport, while the remaining players, along with the trophy, left from Patna Airport. Captain Salima Tete expressed her gratitude to the people of Bihar for their support and acknowledged the significance of winning the title in a state that warmly hosted the event.
The victory marked India’s third Women’s Asian Champions Trophy title, equalling South Korea’s record in the competition. The Indian team fulfilled their promise to gift Bihar and the nation a moment of pride, leaving an indelible mark on the region’s sporting history.
The team’s remarkable performance and heartfelt farewell underscore the growing prominence of women’s hockey in India and the enthusiastic support it garners across the country.
