It was supposed to be the best contest of the tournament, and it veritably turned out to be so. Host India and the reigning Asian Champions China dished out an exciting stuff at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh hockey stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand on Day 3 of the Jharkhand Asian Champions Trophy, and thankfully crowd favourite India emerged victor (2-1).
A screenshot of Deepika and Sangita Kumari celebrating India’s first goal
With spectacular goals coming from sensational forward Salima Tete (2-0, 2th min) and eleven minutes before that by emerging star Deepika, India was sitting pretty at the half time. However, the Chinese rose to their neo-image and gave all that is required to make it a match of it. As a result, attacks flew seamlessly from either side keeping the full stands on the edge of the seat.
Deepka converted a stroke immaculately to given India the lead.
Salima Tete’s goal was a copy book backhander right on the top edge of the circle.
Deep Grace Ekka, Udita and reliable local star Nikki Pradhan had a torrid time, yet their combind grit saw them warding off all the storm. The goal by Chinese penalty corner expert Jiaqi Zhong, a look alike of Fu Ba Rong, former Chinese forward, struck a thunder in the 41st min (2-1). In their bid to stop the marauding Chinese forwards, who attacked relentlessly from either flank, Indian defence had to concede many penalty corner but it stood look rock wall to deny them further dent.
Vandana Katariya, the most capped player at Jharkhand, in a rush of adrenalin, tripped a fast moving Liu Yang which landed her a dreaded yellow card, with just seven minutes before the hooter.
Wily coach Alysan Annan removed goalkeeper and got the benefit of one more player on the field, and her move was accentuated by Vandana’s faux pas.
It was credit to Indian midfield and forwards especially Monika and Sonika held on the fort.
Unlike a fortnight ago when India fumbled against hosts China in the semis at Hangzhou, India went bullish from the word go and the aggressive move paid off.
The last seven minutes were intense and suspenseful moments but India managed to hang on to the slender lead to beat China 2-1 and thus head the table with three clean wins.
Interesting senior player and medio Lalremsiami (caps 119), whose energy and enterprise were seen to be believed today, was honoured with Rising Star of the day, while up and coming player Salima Tete (caps 87) Best Player.
India will take on Japan today (20.30 hrs IST) whom they defeated 3-1 at Hangzhou for their bronze.