With tight midfield and breakaway goals, Indian girls in Kakagimahara created a slice of Asia Cup history today, posting an imposing 4-1 win over continental arch rivals China. Penalty corner expert Gurjit Kaur, dynamic Neha Goyal, opportunistic Navjot Kaur and ever-green captain Rani Rampal struck a goal apiece to post first ever full time victory over China since 1985 when Women’s Asia Cup was put on board. Today marked the eleventh encounter between the two traditional Asian teams in the Asia Cup domain. China have so far won six times, while other four were drawn. Coach Harendra Singh’s team feat today is worth in gold.

Braving chilling winds, Indian girls availed the chances they created to return victorious.

The match started in a brisk note. The Chinese obtained their first of four penalty corners within 30 seconds from the start. However, goalie in-form Savita Punia, blocked captain Qiuxia Cui’s powerful drag flick.

On a counter, captain Rani Rampal used all her skills near top of the circle to earn India’s first penlaty corner, but Gurjit Kaur’s drag was predictable to lanky rival goalie Xinhuan Li. India therafter pressed hard. A crash ball from Sushila Chanu entered the circle, but just Vandana missed to connect.

Shortly after the start of second quarter, India attacked from right flank. In a desparate attempt to stop speedying Navneet Kaur from enterring the circle from right backline, China’s captin feel on her, which did not escape eyes of neutral Umpire from New Zealand Kelly. Gurjit Kaur was now on target to give India its first space on the scoreboard.

Sides changed with India holding onto its slender lead.

Within seconds from lemon time, in the very first attack, India attacked from centre, sped by Nikki Pradhan. Navjot Kaur, lurking in the circle spotted the lose ball raging towards her, and within a spilit second dived to connect.

Its was thereafter the turf belonged to the Chinese. There were endless attacks, but the Indian defence led by Sunita Lakra, ably assisted by Deep Grace Ekka, stood to the task.

China got a penalty corner after a successful referral. Chinese captain and defender Cui flicked to the right of Savita to reduce the margin (1-2).

Indians were relying on counters, and it worked today.

Neha Goel on the left wing intercepted a long through ball of China to take it to the left flag area, and then after a give and take, was almost on the fringe of the circle when she was stick-checked. Rani took the drag only to see galie rushing in time to block. Alert Neha bounced on the long rebound to send the ball home (3-1).

Chinese continued to indulge in long balls and overheads only to see they break the Indian defence but it was hard to crack a goal, as mash of sticks and legs obstructed everything they did.

Later Coach Harendra Singh agreed it was a designed defence to frustrate the Chinese.

After a first quarter in which both teams played even, goals started coming from the second.

India took lead in the 18th minute when hardworking Gurjit Kaur converted India’s second penalty corner.

She was unsuccessful with the first the team got in the very second minute.

India had better exchanges and attacks on goal, and returned for rest at half time with this 1-0 lead.

Its heavily windy and cold day here though bright sun is there.

Captain Rani Rampal, who struck the team’s fourth goal, off a rebound from Gurjit’s penalty corner strike, was declared Hero of the Match.

China earned two penalty corners in the early moments of fourth quarter, one bounced while trying to stop the pushed ball and the other one came almost to fruition. Savita, who played her 150th match today, twice stretched her legs in time to deny the balls its home.

With just two minutes left in the clock, India waged a left flank attack, which bore further dividends. Its Rani Rampal 4-1, 58th min), who punched the the last nail in the Chinese coffin with an hawkish eye for a bounced ball.

It was again Neha Goel who dodged two markers to take the ball into circle.

Though goalie was at her best to save two shot at goals, Rani picked a slow ball near right goaline to push it inside for India’s fourth goal.