The Indian Women’s Hockey Team Clinches Second Consecutive Women’s Asian Champions Trophy
 

By Mahadev Desai

Bihar’s Chief Min. Nitish Kumar wishes to make Bihar, a national and international sporting hub.
The Rajgir Sports complex and cricket stadium, on 90 acres of land has cutting edge facilities for cricket, hockey, football, volleyball, swimming, athletics, kabaddi, et al.
The 8th edition of the biennial field hockey tournament, The Women Asian Champions Trophy, when six best Asian women’s national teams from China, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea and India compete for the Trophy, was jointly organized by the Asian Hockey Federation, Hockey India and the Bihar government. It was hosted by India, for the second consecutive time. India were the defending champions. The tournament was at the Hockey Stadium at the Bihar Sports University Complex in Rajgir, from 11 to 20 November 2024. 

The marquee event was themed as “Hockey ka parv, Bihar ka garv”. (Hockey’s festival, Bihar’s pride) The slogan adorned the hoardings and banners in Bihar’s cities. The mascot was Gudiya, inspired by house sparrow, Bihar’s State bird. The tournament was like a festival and an occasion to showcase Bihar’s rich culture and diversity and promote tourism. No doubt, such prestigious events would help upward mobility and inclusivity of marginalized people. Through the “Medal lao, Naukri pao” (win a medal and get a job) scheme, the State aims to offer incentives like cash prizes, scholarships, jobs, et al.
Former Indian International hockey player, who has previously coached Indian Men’s and Women’s field hockey teams, Harendra Singh, a Dronacharya awardee, began coaching the India Women’s team since April 2024, to enable the team to excel at the WACT2024; upcoming Commonwealth Games; Asian Games and the World Cup.

The reader may recall that in January 2024, the Indian team had lost to Japan 0-1, in the bronze medal match at the Paris Olympics qualifier held in Ranch, India. So, this time, all the India team supporters were rooting for Indian team to lift the Trophy.
The elite tournament was officially inaugurated by the Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday, November 11, 2024 at the new Hockey Stadium at the Bihar Sports University Complex in Rajgir. Hockey India President Dilip Kumar Tirkey also attended the opening ceremony.

 It was a spectacular and joyous inauguration. Fireworks lit up the skies above and music uplifted hearts of the attendees and supporters everywhere.The matches were shown on Sony Sports and DD Sports TV channels.
India got off to a rousing start with an emphatic 4-0 win against Malaysia. It went on to win against S. Korea 3-2; China 3-0; Japan 3-0, Japan again in semi-final 2-0 and China again in final 1-0.

India throughout showed grit, indomitable spirit and skill. Deepika, who scored eleven goals was bestowed with the Player of the Tournament Award, and Lalremsiami was conferred with the Player of the Match Award.

The Prime Min. Modi lauded the India team , “A phenomenal accomplishment! Congratulations to our hockey team on winning the Women's Asian Champions Trophy. They played exceptionally well through the tournament. Their success will motivate many upcoming athletes."
This win is a huge boost for hockey’s growth and popularity in India. Hopefully the players will feel inspired to perform even better at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and the World Cup.
Heartiest Congratulations to the India team and the proficient, experienced head coach Harendra Singh.
 
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' Nov-22-2024