SINGAPORE: After what was a dazzling play showcased at Singapore by the Indian Women’s Hockey Team, the Golden Girls finally lifted the title for the fourth edition of Asian Championship Trophy last Saturday. The winning goal was made by the shooter Deepika Thakur clinching it with 2-1 win.
The momentum started in the 13th minute when Deep Grace Ekka scored for India challenging the Chinese which they duly returned in the 44th minute. Zhong Mengling hit it for the net nullifying the lead. As we all were at the edge of our seat, biting to know whether the match would go into a tie-breaker or would the Chinese get the better of us. But with just 20 seconds to go, Deepika delved for it. She jumped for the rebound from penalty and sent the slot home, making India victorious.
FT: India are crowned Champions of the 4th Women's #ACT2016 after scoring the winner in the final minute of the game! #INDvCHN #IndiaKaGame pic.twitter.com/NfF8mHDG1l
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) November 5, 2016
The last two sets of India’s best were in 2013 when they came second to Japan and in 2010, finishing third for the series. But this year had Indian team’s name on it and it only goes to show that these girls are unstoppable. The team is currently coached by Australia’s Neil Hawgood and led by halfback Ritu Rani from Haryana and is currently ranked 12th in the FIH World Rankings.
With even the Indian Men’s team winning the Championship against the Pakistani boys last week, the celebration was truly complete for the country. And with hockey being our national sport, it is finally starting to get the due recognition that it has always deserved.
