'We have time to prepare and ensure we come back and perform well for Olympic Qualifiers,' says Savita Punia

Top three teams from the tournament qualify for Olympics.

The Indian Women’s Hockey Team clinched the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2023 on Sunday night in Ranchi with a stunning 4-0 victory over Japan in the final, securing the prestigious title for the second time.

The team now aims to return to Ranchi and replicate this performance at the Women’s FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers scheduled to be held at Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh AstroTurf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand from 13th to 19th January 2024.

Speaking about the significant victory, Indian Women’s Hockey Team Captain Savita explained why this title win is crucial for the team:

“We came with a target. We wanted to set the record straight after the team fell short in the recent Asian Games. We aimed to claim the gold medal here, especially since it was being held in India for the first time. We always take it one game at a time in every tournament. This time, the entire team had a point to prove, and I am glad we were able to do so,” Savita said.

In recognition of their exceptional title-winning performance, which was marked by an unbeaten streak, Hockey India declared a reward of Rs 3.00 lakhs for each member of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team and Rs 1.50 lakhs for each member of the support staff.

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India faced China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand in the round-robin stage of the tournament and won all five games to finish at the top of the table with 15 points. In the semi-final, India defeated Korea 2-0 to secure a spot in the final against Japan.

“The team played a lot of attacking hockey. We took the initiative as we had the players suited for it, and everyone gave their best to ensure we stood on top of the podium. The aim has always been to bring our performances from practice to the pitch. Now, for the Women’s FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, we have time to prepare and ensure we come back and perform to the best of our abilities,” Savita added.

The final against Japan saw Sangita Kumari, Neha, Lalremsiami, and Vandana Katariya score to secure India’s massive win. Moreover, for their impressive performances, Sangita Kumari, the highest goal-scorer for India with 6 goals in the tournament, won the Rising Star of the Tournament Award, Savita won the Women Leader of the Tournament Award, Salima Tete won the Jharkhand Player of the Tournament Award, and Deepika won the Fan Choice Award for Best Goal.

Indian Women’s Hockey Team Chief Coach Janneke Schopman expressed appreciation for the performance and mentality of the team throughout the tournament, saying, “As a team, we played very well, and the intent to improve was evident in every player. We played some scintillating hockey. I am pleased with the team’s decision-making on the field.”

“The players chose to try variations on penalty corners depending on the situation. Neha risked a referral in the first quarter, but she was confident, and all those decisions worked in our favor. I like to see the decision-makers taking ownership,” she elaborated.

India scored a total of 27 goals in the 7 games they played during the tournament, securing the Maximum Team Goals Award as well.

“We have a lot of people who can score goals and some solid defenders. This is supported by the fact that we conceded only two goals from penalty corners and no field goals. We know we are good enough to qualify for the Paris Olympics, and now it is just a matter of demonstrating that we can perform at the same level again in the Women’s FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers after two months,” the Chief Coach concluded.