The Indian women's hockey team successfully defended their title for the third time, defeating China 1-0 in the final of the Bihar Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024 at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium. Ferocious player Deepika scored the only decisive goal in the 31st minute from a penalty corner, turning the match in the hosts' favor. Deepika has been rewarded as the 'Player of the Tournament' for her brilliant performance, finishing with 11 goals in 6 games.
With this win, Hockey India has announced a reward of Rs 3 lakh for players each and Rs 1.5 lakh for each support staff following the Indian Women's Hockey team's victory in the Bihar Women's Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024. In addition to this, the Asian Hockey Federation also awarded India USD 10,000, while China and Japan received USD 7,000 and USD 5,000 respectively.
The game began with intense contested territory, but neither side scored a goal. India managed to penetrate the shooting circle, but the Chinese defense remained resilient. China earned a penalty corner in the second quarter, but India's Bichu Devi swatted away the strike. Following that, India earned a penalty corner but Chinese goalkeeper Surong Wu saved Deepika's drag flick. The first half of the match ended with 0-0.
India scored a goal in the second half through a penalty corner, allowing them to take the lead. China then pressed higher, but India won the ball by Navneet who set up Deepika for a penalty stroke from the bottom right corner with a harrowing reverse shot. Despite China's efforts, India's defense remained impenetrable, shutting down all opportunities.
