Women crowned Asian champs
ASIA CUP India beat higher ranked China in sudden death to become champions and qualify for the World Cup next year
KAKAMIGAHARA (JAPAN): Goalkeeper Savita produced a stunning save in the shootout as India won the Asia Cup to qualify for next year’s hockey World Cup following a nerve-wracking win over China in the final here on Sunday.
The team broke a 13-year-old jinx when skipper Rani scored the final goal and Savita foiled an attempt to ensure a 5-4 win. India had failed to qualify for the last World Cup and finished ninth in 2010.
Rani scored twice while Monica, Lilima Minz and Navjot scored once in the shootout.
The men’s team had also won the Asia Cup last month.
It was Navjot Kaur who scored India’s lone goal in the 25th minute of regulation time while China found a late equaliser through Tiantian Luo, who converted a penalty corner in the 47th minute.
In 2004, India had clinched the Asia Cup by beating Japan 1-0. It was advantage China right at the start as a stick check in the circle saw India concede a penalty corner in the second minute.
Savita was at her best and padded it away while an alert Deep Grace cleared the ball. Soon after, the Indian forwards launched an attack with Navneet Kaur and Vandana working in tandem to find space in the Chinese D, but an attentive Wang Na averted danger.
China won their second penalty corner but Savita was spot on again and padded away Meiyu Liang’s flick.
With the first quarter ending in a stalemate, India came back determined to find a breakthrough. The forwards kept the pressure on China as they made forays into the circle.
Navjot came close to scoring in the 17th minute but her diving effort was blocked, even as skipper Rani attempted to find a deflection. It was not until the 25th minute that India broke through as Navneet and Rani penetrated the circle to assist Navjot, who took a clear shot at goal.
Though China launched a counterattack, the Indian defenders were up to the task.
India began the third quarter positively as they stayed persistent. They dominated ball possession with accurate passing, rotating the ball and testing China’s patience.
Neha Goyal and Lilima Minz showcased good dribbling skills to steer past the Chinese defenders but a second goal remained elusive.
On China’s part, they stayed disciplined in defence to deny India a chance to score.
The final quarter was tense as China won a penalty corner through a successful video referral in the 47th minute. Tiantian Luo stayed low as she improvised to find the right corner of the post for the equaliser.
With nine minutes left, India upped the ante, trying to find a gap in the 15-yard mark, but the Chinese defenders were resolute.
China won their fourth penalty corner with less than three minutes to go for the final whistle. It was saved by Sunita Lakra and immediately India launched a counter-attack but sent the ball wide.
Savita was adjudged Goalkeeper of the Tournament.