With the disappointment of their Asian Games campaign fresh in their minds, the Indian women's hockey team aimed to rectify their record by securing the gold medal in the recently concluded Asian Champions Trophy in Ranchi, said India captain Savita Punia.
Despite being considered favourites, India faced a setback at the Asian Games, where they were defeated by eventual champions China 0-4 in the semifinals in Hangzhou in October 2023.
However, the Indian team made a strong comeback, overpowering all their Asian counterparts, including China, and emerged as champions in the Asian Champions Trophy for the second time in Ranchi. They achieved this with a resounding 4-0 victory over Japan on November 5.
"We came with a target. We wanted to set the record straight after the team fell short in the Asian Games. We wanted to claim the gold medal here, especially since it was being held in India for the first time," said Savita after claiming the ACT title on November 5.
"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."
Having won the bronze medal at the Asian Games, India will return to Ranchi and aim to replicate their performance at the FIH Women's Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, which will be held at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh AstroTurf Hockey Stadium from January 13 to 19.
"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," Savita said.
“The aim has always been to bring our performances from practice to the pitch. Now, for the women's FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, we have time to prepare and ensure we come back and perform to the best of our abilities.”
Hockey India awarded each member of the Indian women's hockey team a reward of Rs 3 lakh and each member of the support staff a reward of Rs 1.50 lakh in recognition of their outstanding title-winning performance, which was marked by an unbeaten streak.
India won all five of their round-robin matches against China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand to finish top of the table with 15 points. They then defeated Korea 2-0 in the semi-final to book a place in the final against Japan.
India's chief coach Janneke Schopman praised her team for their performance and mentality throughout the tournament.
"As a team, we played very well and the intent to be better was seen in every player. We played some scintillating hockey. I am really pleased with the team's decision-making on the field," Schopman said.
"The players chose to try variations on penalty corners depending on the situation. Neha risked a referral in the first quarter but she was confident and all those decisions worked in our favour. I like to see the decision-makers taking ownership."
India scored a remarkable 27 goals in seven matches to win the "maximum team goal award" at the tournament.
"We have a lot of people who can score goals and some solid defenders. This is backed by the fact that we conceded only two goals from the penalty corner and no field goals," Schopman continued.
"We know we are good enough to qualify for the Paris Olympics and now it is just a matter of showing that you can perform at the same level again in the women's FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers after two months”, she concluded.
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