India crowned Women's Asian Champions Trophy with victory over China; Deepika shines

India clinched the Women's Asian Champions Trophy title in an exhilarating final against Olympic silver medallists China, winning 1-0 in front of an electrified crowd on Wednesday. The win marked India’s third ACT title, equaling South Korea's record as the most successful teams in the tournament's history.

Deepika Shines with a Decisive Goal

The star of the night was young striker Deepika, who scored the match's only goal with a stunning reverse hit in the 31st minute. The strike came off a penalty corner, continuing her stellar form as she emerged the tournament’s top scorer with an impressive tally of 11 goals. Deepika’s heroics in the final mirrored her outstanding performance throughout the competition, solidifying her as a key player for India.

Intense Battle Between India and China

Both teams brought their A-game, making for a fiercely contested match. The opening quarters saw relentless circle penetrations from both sides, but the defenses stood strong. India's 17-year-old prodigy Sunelita Toppo impressed with her dazzling dribbling and incisive runs, while goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam made a spectacular diving save early on to deny China from their first penalty corner.

India’s penalty corner conversion had been a concern throughout the tournament, and the trend continued in the final as they missed four opportunities in quick succession during the second quarter. However, Deepika broke the deadlock early in the third quarter with a sharp finish after capitalizing on a missed trap.

China Fights Hard but Falls Short

China fought back valiantly, intensifying their attacks in the final quarter. Goalkeeper Li Ting stood tall for China, denying Deepika a second goal from a penalty stroke and making crucial saves to keep her team in the game. Despite their efforts, India’s defense held firm, ensuring the narrow lead was enough to secure the title.

A Historic Moment for Indian Hockey

The victory is a milestone for Indian women’s hockey, as it adds to their titles from 2016 and 2023. China, meanwhile, had to settle for their third runner-up finish. Earlier in the day, Japan claimed the bronze medal with a dominant 4-1 victory over Malaysia.

This win not only highlights India’s growing dominance in Asian hockey but also sets a strong foundation for future tournaments, with young talents like Deepika and Sunelita Toppo leading the charge.