Rajgir: The India defeated China 3-0 in their penultimate group stage match of the Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024 at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium today. The heavyweight clash saw Sangita Kumari (32’), Salima Tete (37’), and Deepika (60’) find the back of the net, capping off a well-rounded performance from India. This game solidified India’s position at the top of the table while Deepika also secured her spot at the top of the goal-scoring chart, now boasting 8 goals to her name.
India took the initiative right from the starting whistle, with Deepika earning a penalty corner within seconds of the whistle. She attempted a powerful flick towards goal, but China’s goalkeeper Surong Wu made a strong save. India dictated the tempo with slick passes and clever movement, while China could only manage occasional counter-attacks. Five minutes into the quarter, Sharmila picked up the ball at half line and drove towards the shooting circle. She passed to Sunelita, who quickly found Deepika, but the onrushing keeper thwarted her attempt. As China grew into the game and regained some territory, neither team managed to break down the other’s defense, and the first quarter ended goalless.
China had the first chance in the second quarter on a counter-attack. Chencheng Liu blazed the ball across goal, causing Indian keeper Bichu to scramble, but no one was on hand to poke the ball in. India endured and earned a penalty corner five minutes into the quarter, but Udita’s shot was easily stopped. The next chance fell to China’s Yanan Xu, who attempted a reverse tomahawk from the left wing, but her shot found the side netting. India responded by earning another penalty corner, but they too failed to convert. The game became more end-to-end, with neither team willing to give an inch, and the deadlock continued into the second half.
India stepped it up a gear in the third quarter. Deepika seized a mispass high up the pitch and found Lalremsiami alone at the center of the shooting circle, but her first-time shot was easily swatted away. Undeterred, India regained possession, and Sushila fired a deceptive pass from the back line to Sangita Kumari, who quickly reacted to deflect the rocket pass into the goal, breaking the deadlock. Five minutes later, Preeti Dubey embarked on a marauding drive along the baseline and passed to an unmarked Salima Tete, who made a late run into the circle and simply pushed the ball into the goal, doubling India’s lead. Despite a few more threats to score in the rest of the quarter, both teams couldn’t find the finishing touch.
China wrestled more possession in the final quarter in search of their first goal, but India showcased exemplary defense and remained composed on the ball. With five minutes left in the game, Sunelita Toppo unleashed a powerful shot towards goal, but it was swatted away. China quickly picked up the ball to hunt for a goal on the counter, but Bichu was alert to avert any danger. In a bid to peg India back and further bolster their attacking prowess, China took off their keeper with three minutes left in the game. However, India held firm and initiated a counter in the last minute, resulting in a penalty corner. Without a keeper in goal, Deepika stepped up and unleashed a powerful drag flick, sealing the match at 3-0 in India’s favour.
India play their next match of the Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024 against Japan on 17th November at 4:45 PM IST.
Japan Triumph Over Malaysia 2-1 in a Nail-Biter
the game was a thrilling spectacle of skill, strategy, and resilience. Japan emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline, but not without a tough fight from Malaysia, who dominated the early proceedings.
Malaysia came out strong and quickly asserted their dominance in the opening half. Their fast-paced attack and precise passing overwhelmed the Japanese defense early on. The breakthrough came in the first quarter when Malaysia’s Nur Aina capitalized on a well-worked field goal, putting her team in the lead.
The Malaysian defense, bolstered by their goalkeeper’s stellar performance, thwarted Japan’s attempts to equalize. Despite Japan’s best efforts, the first half ended with Malaysia leading 1-0, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement over the underdog’s performance.
The second half saw a rejuvenated Japan take the field with renewed intensity. They pressed high, forcing errors from the Malaysian side. The equalizer came early in the third quarter when Japan’s Ayaka Nishimura converted a penalty corner with a powerful drag flick, leveling the score at 1-1.
Buoyed by the goal, Japan maintained their momentum and continued to press Malaysia’s defense. Their persistence paid off in the final quarter when Hana Shimizu scored the decisive goal from another penalty corner, giving Japan a 2-1 lead.
Malaysia fought valiantly in the closing minutes, pushing forward in search of an equalizer. However, Japan’s disciplined defense held firm, ensuring their hard-earned victory.
Korea Dominate Thailand with a Convincing 4-0 Victory
From the opening whistle, Korea showcased their intent to dominate the game. Their crisp passing and coordinated attacks kept Thailand on the back foot. The breakthrough came early in the first quarter the back of the net with a precise penalty corner conversion, giving Korea an early 1-0 lead.
Thailand struggled to contain Korea’s relentless pressure, and their defense was tested repeatedly. Before the half-time whistle, Korea doubled their lead through a stunning field goal by captain Ji Soo Park, ending the half with a comfortable 2-0 advantage.
The second half saw Korea maintaining their aggressive tempo. Their midfield controlled the game, creating numerous scoring opportunities. The third goal came in the third quarter when seo Dahye skillfully deflected a penalty corner shot, leaving the Thai goalkeeper with no chance.
Thailand attempted to regroup and push forward, but Korea’s defense stood tall, denying them any meaningful scoring opportunities. In the final quarter, Korea sealed the victory with a brilliant solo effort from Sun Hwa Kim, who dribbled past multiple defenders to score the fourth and final goal of the match.
–With inputs from fih.hockey
