NEW DELHI: Younger ahead Deepika emerged because the standout performer, scoring an excellent reverse hit aim that helped India safe their girls’s Asian Champions Trophy title with a 1-Zero victory over Olympic silver medallists China in an intense ultimate in Rajgir, Bihar on Wednesday.
Deepika netted the decisive aim from a penalty nook within the 31st minute, concluding the event because the main scorer with 11 objectives.
India had beforehand defeated China 3-Zero throughout the league section.
This victory marked India’s third ACT championship, following their successes in 2016 and 2023.
The Indian squad now shares the excellence of being probably the most profitable workforce within the event’s historical past alongside South Korea, each having gained three titles.
Japan secured the third place by defeating Malaysia 4-1 within the bronze medal match earlier within the day.
The match witnessed an evenly contested battle between each groups. Regardless of quite a few circle penetrations by each side, their respective defensive traces remained impenetrable within the first two quarters.
The 17-year-old Sunelita Toppo displayed distinctive dribbling skills and made spectacular runs from each wings for India.
Three minutes into the second quarter, China earned their first penalty nook, however India’s reserve goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam made an excellent diving save to dam Jinzhuang Tan’s try.
India subsequently earned 4 penalty corners within the following two minutes, however struggled to transform any, with Deepika taking many of the makes an attempt.
Penalty nook conversion remained problematic for India all through the event, as evidenced of their semifinal in opposition to Japan the place they failed to attain from 13 alternatives.
China earned one other penalty nook within the 23rd minute, however India’s first rusher defended successfully.
Later, captain Salima Tete created a chance for Sharmila Devi, whose first-time shot in direction of the close to submit went large, leaving the rating stage at half-time.
India maintained strain after the break and secured their fifth penalty nook instantly following the restart.
Deepika efficiently transformed this time, scoring with a reverse hit following a mishandled push.
Within the 42nd minute, Deepika had a chance to attain once more when India was awarded a penalty stroke for a deliberate push contained in the circle.
Nevertheless, Chinese language goalkeeper Li Ting made a exceptional reflex save to disclaim the Indian ahead.
Shortly after, Ting made one other essential save, stopping Sushila Chanu‘s shot from India’s sixth penalty nook.
Trailing by one aim, China adopted an aggressive strategy and managed a number of circle penetrations, however India’s defence remained resolute.
