Perennial under-performer Indian women for once shed the tag, and gave the nation and themselves a thumps up with a heartwarming but hard-earned win over never-say-die Chinese –who beat them yesterday in the last pool match — in the final of the fourth Asian Champions Trophy.

Yesterday, it was China who struck a stunner against India in the dying moments to graduate to the Singapore final. China’s goal came just 2.27 sec left in the play for a 3-2 win.

Today, India went a step further, with its livewire performer Deepika striking a lightening goal just 17 seconds left in the clock after both sides shared two goals till then.

But, this match was a final and it counts, as the winner lifts the Asia’s premier event.

Deep Grace Ekka, the deep defender, tapped in India’s penalty corner to give the lead in the 13th minutes, and India turned up for lemon time, riding on the comfort.

India, once again played a bad third quarter.

Defensive Indian ladies were taught a lesson, when a counter from right ending Mengline Zhoung connecting a feed getting past Indian goalie E. Rajani. The equaliser came just few seconds left for the completion og third quarter.

Both teams fought hard in the fourth quarter, India having upper hand, but the wont of finishing poor rendered them remaining scoreless.

In a spurt of moment, winger Poonam and Vandana, together with Navjot helped agile Deepika to enter the circle, where she was stickchecked.

Hardly, 25 seconds left for the play

Rani took the shot in the penalty corner drill, but China goalie came up from her line to block the push. The ball bounced back to right of D, where Deepkia bent down a bit and whacked a forehand to see the ball crashing top inside of the net.

The celebrations started.

Japan today won the bronze, striking the winner in the last minute. Till then it shared two goals with Korea.

Special Awards:
Top goal Scorer: Deepika of India
Best goalkeeper: (Malaysia)
Best Player of the tournament: Japan
Young player of the tournament: China