BHUBANESWAR 20-May-2018
Last three-time champions India settled with silver medal in the 5th Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament when they lost to host South Korea 0-1 in the final at Donghae City, South Korea today. This was the second time that India finished runners-up in this tournament. Earlier in 2013 final, India lost to Japan 0-1 at Kakamigahara, Japan.
This was a creditable achievement for India considering the fact that regular captain Rani Rampal and Sushila Chanu were not in the team. India also played under new chief coach Sjoerd Marijne. India and South Korea qualified for the final after securing top two positions at the league stage.
Led by Odisha defender Sunita Lakra, India topped the table with 10 points, through three wins and a draw. They beat Japan 4-1, Chine 3-1, Malaysia 3-2 and drew with South Korea 1-1. South Korea won two and drew two to finish second with eight points.
Four more Odisha players represented India in this tournament. They were Deep Grace Ekka, Namita Toppo, Lilima Minz and Anupa Barla. Among them, Anupa scored one goal in the opening match against Japan.
Indian forward Vandana Katariya was declared the Player of the Tournament while youngster Lalremsiami was given the award for the Upcoming Player of the Tournament. Forward Navneet Kaur and Vandana Katariya were also the joint top-scorers of the tournament along with China’s Xiaoming Song.
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PHOTO: Members of India team after finishing runners-up in the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament in Donghae City, South Korea on May 20, 2018.
