India clinches bronze in Asia Cup hockey

Indian women defeated China via the penalty shootout to clinch the bronze medal in the eighth women’s Asia Cup hockey tournament here today.

India, which needed to win the tournament to qualify for next year’s World Cup to be held at The Hague, Netherlands, edged past China 3-2 in the shootout after both the teams were locked 2-2 at the regulation time.

By virtue of this win, the Indians managed to avenge their 0-1 defeat to the Chinese in the pool stages of the tournament.

India dominated proceedings in the first half and scored two field goals through Anuradha Devi Thokchom (16th minute) and Vandana Katariya (31st) to go into the breather with a comfortable 2-0 lead.

China pulled one back in the 51st minute through Yan Yan’s field goal to liven up the match.

The Indians had themselves to blame as some sloppy defending towards the end allowed China to draw parity when Wu Mengrong scored the equaliser in the 64th minute.

Thereafter, both the teams played cautiously in the last six minutes to take the encounter into the shootout.

In the shootout, the Indians came out on top, converting three of their chances as against the two by the Chinese girls.

Meanwhile, Japan stunned defending champion Korea 2-1 in the final to win the Asia Cup and secure a place in next year’s World Cup.
The Hindu