Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated the Indian women’s hockey team for their runners-up finish at the Women’s Asia Cup Hockey Tournament in Hangzhou, praising their “determination and team spirit.”
India clinched the silver medal after a 1-4 loss to hosts China in the final on Sunday. Navneet Kaur (1’) scored for India, while Captain Ou Zixia (21’), Li Hong (40’), Zou Meirong (51’), and Zhong Jiaqi (53’) were on target for China.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Our Indian Women’s Hockey Team has made the nation proud by winning the Silver Medal in the Women’s Asia Cup 2025. Congratulations to them. Their determination and team spirit are simply outstanding. Wishing them the very best for the times to come.”
India got off to a dream start, taking the lead in the very first minute through a penalty corner converted by veteran forward Navneet Kaur with a powerful strike.
Trailing by a goal, China raised the tempo and attacked relentlessly in the first half. They earned their first penalty corner in the fourth minute, but Sunelita Toppo made a crucial goalline block, followed by an excellent save from goalkeeper Bichu Devi. China earned another penalty corner in the 15th minute, but India’s first rusher denied them again.
The second quarter saw more pressure from the hosts. In the 17th minute, China forced another penalty corner, which was again saved by Bichu Devi, who made another brilliant block in open play in the 20th minute. China finally found the breakthrough in the 21st minute when Captain Ou Zixia converted a penalty corner to level the scores. Both teams went into halftime locked at 1-1, setting up an exciting second half.
India started the third quarter aggressively, keeping China in their own half and making repeated circle penetrations in search of the lead. However, it was China who struck next. In the 40th minute, India failed to convert a penalty corner and lost possession, allowing China to launch a swift counterattack. Li Hong made a superb solo run and scored with a powerful backhand strike into the bottom right corner, putting China ahead.
China extended their lead in the final quarter with two quick goals. In the 51st minute, Ying Zhang delivered a precise pass inside the circle to Zou Meirong, who finished first-time in front of goal to make it 3-1. Just two minutes later, Zhong Jiaqi made a darting run down the right flank, cut inside the circle, and slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to seal a 4-1 victory for the hosts.
(ANI)