New Delhi [India], September 14 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Indian women’s hockey team for their runners-up finish in the Women’s Asia Cup Hockey tournament in Hangzhou, saying that their “determination and team spirit are simply outstanding”.
The Indian hockey team clinched the silver medal at the Women’s Asia Cup 2025, in Hangzhou, after a 1-4 loss against hosts China in the final on Sunday. Navneet Kaur (1′) scored for India while captain Ou Zixia (21′), Li Hong (40′), Zou Meirong (51′) and Zhong Jiaqi (53′) were the goal scorers for the home team.
Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, “Our Indian Women’s Hockey Team has made the nation proud by winning the Silver Medal in the Women’s Asia Cup 2025. Congratulations to them. Their determination and team spirit are simply outstanding. Wishing them the very best for the times to come.”
India made a strong start in the final by going ahead in the very first minute through a penalty corner, which was converted by veteran forward Navneet Kaur (1′) with a powerful strike.
A goal behind, China increased the tempo of the game and attacked with intent throughout the first half. In the fourth minute, they received their first penalty corner, which was met by a goalline block by Sunelita Toppo, followed by another save from goalkeeper Bichu Devi. In the 15th minute, China received another penalty corner, but this time, they couldn’t get past India’s first rusher.
The trend followed in the second quarter, with China winning another penalty corner in the 17th minute, which was saved by Bichu Devi, who again made a brilliant block in the 20th minute in open play. China won a penalty corner in the 21st minute, but this time, Captain Ou Zixia (21′) successfully converted it to score the equaliser. Both teams headed into the break with scores tied and all to play for in the second half.
India started the third quarter strong as they limited China to their own half and made constant entries into the circle in search of the lead again; however, it was China that broke the deadlock. In the 40th minute, India received a penalty corner, but they couldn’t convert it, giving away the ball to China as they launched a quick counterattack, catching India off guard. Li Hong (40′) made a strong solo run and struck a back-handed shot which beat the goalkeeper and found the bottom right corner of the net.
China increased the gap in the fourth quarter with two quick goals in the 51st and 53rd minutes, respectively. Ying Zhang played a crucial pass inside the circle to Zou Meirong (51′), who made a first-touch finish in front of the post to score the third goal. This was followed by a good run by Zhong Jiaqi (53′) from the right flank as she cut into the circle and slotted a shot past the goalkeeper to score China’s fourth and final goal of the evening.
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