A World Cup berth already in their pocket, a confident and unconquered India would look to cap their dream run in the Women’s Asia Cup hockey tournament by clinching the title when they clash with China in the summit clash in Bangkok on Sunday.
India stunned three-time champions South Korea 3-2 in the semifinal yesterday to secure a place in next year’s World Cup to be held in Argentina.
Last time India won the winners trophy in this tournament was in 2004 when they beat Japan at home.
MK Kaushik’s wards would also get another chance to beat China for the first time in history of this tournament besides avenging their 2-4 semifinal loss to the same opponents in the 2007 edition.
Going by the credentials, China, at number three, are 11 places above India in the FIH world rankings but as had been seen in the drawn group match, Kaushik’s wards would fancy to beat their northern neighbours at Queen Sikirt Sports centre.
Kaushik said though beating China is no mean task; his team had the potential to emerge victorious.
“Our girls are talented, they deserved the ultimate honour in Bangkok. I have asked them to go all out. China are tactically strong, they can trouble us. Unless my girls give one hundred per cent, we can’t come out winners. My players will deliver, I believe in their caliber,” Kaushik said.