India Clinches Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Title for the Second Consecutive Time, Defeats China 1-0 in Final

Ranvir Singh

Rajgir (Bihar): The Indian women’s hockey team emerged victorious in the Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024, defeating China 1-0 in the final held on Wednesday at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium. This marks India’s third title win in the tournament’s history, having previously clinched the championship in 2016 and 2023. Along with India, South Korea also holds the record of winning this trophy three times.

The lone goal of the match was scored by Deepika in the 31st minute, securing India’s triumph.

The final between India and China was an intense clash, with both teams failing to score in the first two quarters. The deadlock remained until halftime as neither side managed to convert their opportunities. The third quarter, however, brought a breakthrough for India. Within the very first minute, the team earned a penalty corner, which Deepika successfully converted into a goal, putting India ahead 1-0.

Despite a valiant effort by China to equalize in the final quarter, India’s solid defense proved impenetrable. China launched several attacks and dominated possession for some time but could not find a way past the Indian defenders. India also earned another penalty corner late in the match but failed to extend the lead. Ultimately, India held on to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory and claimed their third Asian Champions Trophy title.

Hockey India Announces Rewards
Following the Indian team’s stellar victory in the Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024, Hockey India announced cash rewards of ₹3 lakh for each player and ₹1.5 lakh for all support staff.

Adding to the celebrations, the Asian Hockey Federation introduced prize money for podium finishers for the first time in the tournament’s history. India will receive USD 10,000, while China and Japan, the runners-up and third-place teams, will be awarded USD 7,000 and USD 5,000, respectively.