Indian hockey team beats China 2-1 in women’s Asian Champions Trophy
The Indian hockey team survived some anxious moments to avenge its Asian Games loss with a 2-1 win over China and continue its rampaging run at the women’s Asian Champions Trophy here on Monday.
Deepika (15th) and Salima Tete (26th) sounded the board for the hosts, while Zhong Jiaqi scored in the 41st minute for China.
But on Monday, India returned the favors in their third group stage match to stay atop the standing.
India started on an attacking note, trying to make inroads from left to right but the Chinese put up a defensive wall to thwart any attempt by the hosts.
India held possession and Jyoti Sonika earned their first PC but squandered it due to a lapse by stopper Monika. Soon the hosts were awarded a penalty stroke and Deepika converted it in style with just 30 seconds left in the first quarter.
China made a circle penetration early in the second quarter but India managed to stave off any threat.
India were one player down after Lalremsiami was suspended for two minutes but China failed to capitalise on the opportunity.
China, the Asian Games 2023 champions, sought to level the score in the second quarter and tried to put pressure on the Indian team. Nevertheless, Salima Tete extended India's lead in the 26th minute with a powerful tomahawk from the center of the circle.
China finally pulled one back in the 41st minute via a penalty corner. The ball was injected to the first battery before finding its way to Zhong Jiaqi, who converted neatly.
However, China eventually earned their second PC with four minutes left in the quarter and went for a variation as Zhong Jiaqi sent the ball past Savita to score their first goal.
Looking for the equaliser, China made an aggressive start to the final quarter and tried to take hold of the midfield.
China soon earned a PC after the ball rose dangerously in the air amidst the scuffle. India asked for a review but the video umpire ruled otherwise.
Soon, there was a brief interruption due to the malfunction of the floodlights. On resumption, China couldn’t convert the PC as India held on to the advantage.
Vandana was then handed a yellow card for tripping a Chinese player with her stick while making a tackle, leaving India with 10 players for the remaining five minutes.
Desperate for the equalizer, China replaced the goalkeeper with a field player and earned another PC with five minutes to go but squandered it.
The Asian Games champions mounted another attacking run and almost scored with three minutes to go as India survived a scare.
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