Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Gold We came to set record straight: Savita Punia

RANCHI: After failing to win the gold medal in the Hangzhou Asian Games, the Indian women’s hockey team lifted the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023 on Sunday night after a stunning 4-0 victory over Japan in the Final, claiming the prestigious title for the second time and fulfilling an aim it has started with.

The Indian women’s hockey team will now aim to return to Ranchi and repeat this performance in the Women’s FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, scheduled to be held at Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh AstroTurf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand from January 13-19, 2024.

Speaking on the big win, Indian women’s hockey team captain Savita Punia explained why the title victory here is crucial for the team.

“We came with a target. We wanted to set the record straight after the team fell short in the recent Asian Games. We wanted to claim the gold medal here, especially since it was being held in India for the first time. We always take it one game at a time in every tournament. This time, the whole team had a point to prove and I am glad we were able to do so,” Savita said.

In recognition of their exceptional title-winning performance, which was marked by an unbeaten streak, Hockey India declared a reward of Rs 3.00 lakh for each member of the Indian team and Rs 1.50 Lakh for each member of the support staff.

India faced China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand in the round-robin stage of the tournament and won all five games to finish on top of the table with 15 points. In the semifinal, India defeated Korea 2-0 to book a date with Japan in the Final.

“The team played a lot of attacking hockey. We took the initiative as we have the players suited for it and everyone gave their best to make sure we stand on top of the podium,” she said. (IANS)

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