Indian women's hockey team has overcome recent setbacks and is set to start a new journey with World Cup and Olympics in mind, chief coach Harendra Singh asserted on Sunday.
Two-time champions India will open their title defense against Malaysia in the Women's Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament beginning in Bihar on November 11.
Sukhjeet Singh struck a brace as defending champions India thrashed Japan 5-1 in a league match to notch up their second consecutive win in the men's Hero Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament here on Monday.
Krishan Bahadur Pathak, on expected lines, was on Wednesday named the main goalkeeper after the retirement of PR Sreejesh
The year has ended well for midfielder Hardik Singh and the Indian hockey team with wins in the Asian Champions Trophy, Asian Games gold. These have given the team confidence going into 2024, the Olympic year.
Deepika (15th) and Salima Tete (26th) sounded the board for the hosts, while Zhong Jiaqi scored in the 41st minute for China.
India (2771.35 points) jumped one place to third and went past England (2763.50 points) behind top-ranked Netherlands (3095.90 points) and Belgium (2917.87 points).
The Indians got into their groove as the match progressed and played full-press hockey after the sluggish start.
News Highlights: Indian Hockey Team captain Harmanpreet Singh stated that their determination to exert maximum effort until the final whistle was precisely reflected in their performance. India beat Malaysia 4-3 to win Asian Champions Trophy 2023.
Harmanpreet (15th, 23rd minutes) converted two penalty corners, while Jugraj Singh (36th) netted from another set piece. India's final goal came from the sticks of Akashdeep Singh from a field play in the 55th minute.
Local favourite Karthi Selvam (15th minute) and vice-captain Hardik Singh (32') were on target, along with skipper Harmanpreet Singh (42'), Gurjant Singh (53') and Jugraj Singh (54').
India have so far won 10 medals, including two silver, in the continental championship.
India, who were the defending champions along with Pakistan in the last edition of the tournament in Muscat, will return with a consolation prize after having lost to Japan 3-5 in the semifinals on Tuesday.
India vs Pakistan: India won two out of three matches in the round-robin stage of the 2021 Asian Champions Trophy men’s hockey tournament, which is being held in Dhaka.