Hangzhou, Oct 4 : In Hangzhou on October 4th, the Indian women’s hockey team stands just two wins away from securing their first gold medal in 41 years, setting the stage for a crucial showdown against hosts and three-time champions, China, in the Asian Games semifinal this Wednesday.
In the 2018 edition in Jakarta, the Indian women came tantalizingly close to gold but had to settle for silver. This time, under the leadership of Savita Punia, they are determined to clinch their second gold medal in the history of the Asian Games. India’s first gold in women’s hockey came in 1982 during the New Delhi edition, marking the inception of women’s hockey in the competition. Since then, they have claimed three bronze and two silver medals but have yet to regain the coveted gold.
The Indian women’s team is currently in remarkable form and is considered the favorites for the title, given their top-ranking status at No. 7 in the world, with China ranked at 12th. The expectations are high for India to secure the gold medal, and it would be a significant disappointment if they return empty-handed.
India’s performance in the competition thus far has been exceptional, with an undefeated run in the pool stages. They began with a dominant 13-0 victory over Singapore, followed by a 6-0 win against Malaysia, a hard-fought 1-1 draw with South Korea, and a resounding 13-0 triumph over Hong Kong. While their defense faced minimal challenges in most matches, they will need to remain vigilant, especially against a formidable opponent like China.
The Indian forwardline and midfield have worked cohesively, creating goal-scoring opportunities from field play and penalty corners. Players like Deepika and Deep Grace Ekka have excelled in set pieces, while Vandana Katariya, Sangita Kumari, Navneet Kaur, and Lalremsiami have showcased their skills in scoring fantastic field goals.
Captain Savita expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance thus far but cautioned against complacency, recognizing the significance of the upcoming semifinal clash. She acknowledged China’s rich history in the Asian Games and the formidable challenge they present. “This is a significant moment for us. We’ve performed exceptionally well so far, but the semifinal is a different challenge. China are a formidable opponent with a rich history in the Asian Games. But we’re fully prepared for the challenge,” Savita emphasized.
China also displayed impressive form during the pool stage, securing convincing victories over Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and Thailand, with their only setback being a 0-2 loss to Japan. In head-to-head records, India holds a slight advantage, having won 11 out of 22 matches, while China has nine victories, with two games ending in draws. As they face off in front of their home crowd, China will rely on their agility and local support to try and upset India and reach their sixth Asian Games final.
