Swiftly beating their strong opponent Japan, India won the Women's Asian Champions Trophy

NewsBharati    14-May-2018
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South Korea, May 14: Dominating from the very beginning, India had set a well-strategized attack to break the strong Japanese defence. An early chance came by when forward Vandana Katariya and Lilima Minz worked in tandem to create space in the striking circle. Defeating the strong Japanese opponent the Indian Women Hockey team won the match by 4-1 grabbing the 5th Women's Asian Champions Trophy.

 

Navneet Kaur scored a hat-trick as India got off to a rollicking start with a 4-1 win over Japan in their opening match. Young forward Navneet scored in the 7th, 25th and 55th minute while Anupa Barla (53rd) got the other goal for India at the Sunrise Stadium.

An early chance came by when forward Vandana Katariya and Lilima Minz worked in tandem to create space in the striking circle. Navneet picked up an assist from Vandana to send the ball past Korean goalkeeper to give defending champions India 1-0 lead in the 7th minute.

India played with speed, kept the ball possession and stayed consistent as they kept up the pressure on Japan. Good defence led by Skipper Sunita Lakra ensured Japan did not find too many chances in the circle.

Navneet showcased her abilities with the stick as she drove into the 25-yard mark and assisted experienced forward Vandana drive into the circle. Vandana’s clever return of ball from the right flank to an unmarked Navneet at the top of the circle saw her score a splendid goal, doubling India’s lead to 2-0 in the 25th minute.

India continued to keep up the momentum into the third quarter which was disrupted by rain. Three minutes into the third quarter, India won back-to-back penalty corners but both Deep Grace Ekka and Gurjit Kuar could not convert.

Creating an exciting match for the audience, these girls kept them glued throughout the event. On May 16, India will take on a formidable China in their second Pool match.