India look for bronze medal against China at Women's Hockey Asia Cup

The Women in Blue will look to end the tournament on a high.

The Indian Women's hockey team will play their crucial bronze medal match at the Women's Hockey Asia Cup this Friday. This will be India's last opportunity to clinch a medal at the tournament, after the defending champions fell against South Korea in the semi-finals. Despite India landing the early blow, it was Korea who dominated the later proceedings

Despite the loss, India have assured their place at the FIH Hockey World Cup. Moreover, a bronze medal is also at stake. Therefore, the Women in Blue will definitely look to give it their all against neighbours and arch-rivals China in the encounter.

Team India

The Indian team have had a pretty inconsistent campaign at the Women's Hockey Asia Cup 2022. They started with a thumping 9-0 win against Malaysia. However, it was followed by a shock 0-2 loss to Japan. The Women in Blue bounced back with a bang, with a 9-1 win against Singapore in the final Pool A game. However, they lost 2-3 to South Korea in the semi-final. India have been relentless in attack, scoring 20 goals in the competition. This is the second-highest for any team in the tournament.

However, against quality teams like Japan and South Korea, they suffered because of their defensive gaps. They caved in to the pressure imposed by the opposition. This is a mistake that they will not like to repeat against China.

Team China

China finished second in Pool B with six points. They have the third-best defensive record out of the total eight teams. The Chinese defence has been very mean and allowed just eight goals to pass through.

They opened their campaign with six goals against Thailand and followed it up with seven against Indonesia. South Korea were the only team that managed to breach their defence more than once. So, China will hope that their defence holds up against one of the most attacking teams in the tournament.

Key Players

Gurjit Kaur (India)

India's Gurjit Kaur has been in fantastic shape, as seen by her performances at the Women’s Hockey Asia Cup 2022. She scored a hat-trick in an all-important game against Singapore. Gurjit is a defender and the team’s designated drag-flicker. 

With a great proficiency in drag-flicking, she is India’s biggest threat from penalty corners. On top of that, she is also a pillar in India's defence. She is an asset to the Indian team in every way. China will have to keep a close eye on her, if they hope to win.

Zhong Mengling (China)

Chinse player Zhong Mengling has made her presence felt in every match. Just like Gurjit, she has also scored three goals in the tournament, a brace against Thailand and a solitary goal against Indonesia.

Even in their semi-final match against Japan, Zhong put up a praiseworthy performance. Unfortunately, China lost that game 1-2. So, Zhong will be even more determined to prove a point against India. The Indians will have to be wary of that.

Squad

India

Savita Punia (GK), Rajani Etimarpu (GK), Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Nisha, Sushila Chanu, Monika, Neha, Salima Tete, Jyoti, Navjot Kaur, Navneet Kaur, Lalremsiami, Vandana Katariya, Mariana Kujur, Sharmila Devi.

China

Yang Liu, Wu Surong (GK), Tang Wanli (C), Chen Feiping, Deng Xue, Chen Yujun, Luo Yuxin, Wang Shumin, Yong Jing, Guo Qiu, Peng Xueyi, Huang Haiyan, Yu Anhui, Liu Qingmei, Zhong Mengling

Broadcast

The Women’s Hockey Asia Cup 2022 will be live-streamed on the watch. hockey website and Watch Hockey app.

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