India women’s hockey team lifts Asia Cup title

Goalkeeper Savita produced a stunning save in a tense shootout as India won the Asia Cup to secure qualification in next year's hockey World Cup following a nerve-wracking win over China in the final. The team broke a 13-year-old jinx when skipper Rani scored the final goal and Savita foiled an attempt from the rivals to ensure a 5-4 win. After finishing ninth in the 2010 edition and failing to qualify for the last World Cup, Indian eves turned their fortunes around seal their place in the upcoming tournament.

The women’s team got a new coach six months back and Harendra Singh has breathed new life to the team. India had already qualified for the 2018 Women’s World Cup at the start of the tournament and this win will be a great addition to India’s CV.

Rani scored twice while Monica, Lilima Minz and Navjot scored a goal each in the shootout. It was Navjot Kaur who scored India's lone goal in the 25th minute while China found a late equaliser through Tiantian Luo, who converted a penalty corner in the 47th minute.

It was in 2004 when the Indian women's team had clinched the Asia Cup trophy by beating Japan 1-0. With the results, India equalled China and South Korea's record of winning the title twice.

Navjot Kaur gave India the lead in the second quarter through a field goal in the 25th minute before Tiantain Luo equalisied in the 47th minute. The match went to shootouts where India scored every goal while China missed one. The score was 1-1 after regular time and 5-4 in the shootout. Exactly an year ago, India had beaten China in the final of Asia Champions Trophy.

India won all their matches in the group stages as they beat Malaysia, Singapore and China. They remained unbeaten in the tournament.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to congratulate India eves for their feat. In his tweet, he wrote, "Congratulations to our hockey team on winning the Women's #AsiaCup2017. India is delighted by their stellar performance."