Savita Punia’s India dished out a timely stellar show to clinch the Asian Women’s Champions Trophy amidst the presence of galaxy of State political leaders, Indian men’s team and huge crowd. India was a dominant side from the word go, this time for once the scoreboard was kind to India too. Despite an evenly played first three quarters in which India hung on to the 17th minute Sangita Kumari’s goal, fortunes changed dramatically in the last one.
Japan were the defending champions, having beaten South Korea 2-1 at truncated event at Dongae in 2021. They truly played like so but the second goal of India, a clever close range scoop by veteran Neha Goyal off a penalty corner and then a video referral that went against Japan’s goal changed the course of the match.
When smart Lalreamsiami, who is a revelation in the whole week, punched India’s third goal three minutes before the hooter, it was in the fitness of things, as the Indians were pressing hard and were constantly had the support of the enthusiastic crowd.
Indian girls celebrate a goal WACT Ranchi
Coach Jannake Scopman used Vandana Katariya for good part of the match which paid dividends too. She shot the last goal in the dying seconds after dodging a couple of defenders in a spark of sprint for which she is known for.
Earlier, the final could not be started on time due to technical fault in one of the power towers. The match was delayed by 50 minutes, but the waiting dignitaries and the crowed got the reward for the patience once the ball was set in motion. It was all through a thrilling match.
Social media posts too inundated with serpentine que before the stadium to witness the final and it was clear the event has struck the chord of the mass. In a day Indian men outplayed South Africa in the last pool match of the ongoing cricket World Cup, the tiny town in the Eastern part of India made its presence.
Last time India won a AHF tournament on its soils in which at least six teams took part, was in 2004 when India clinched the Asia Cup with MK Kaushik as chief coach.
There too India beat Japan in the final!
Sangita Kumari, who struck a total of six goals, fiery forward Salima Tete got due recognition for their show in the event, with rising star and Player of the Tournament titles, respectively.
Earlier, China won the bronze defeating the fighting South Korea 2-1. This match was also stopped 16 seconds before the hooter due to technical fault in the flood light system.
With this Ranchi show, India are now the holders of men and women’s Champions Trophy for the second time after 2016.