Rajgir/Patna, 19 November (IANS). The Indian women’s hockey team made it to the final of the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy-2024 by defeating Japan 2-0 in the semi-finals played at Rajgir Hockey Stadium on Tuesday. Now the Indian team will face China in the final for the trophy, which defeated Malaysia 3-1 in the second semi-final. Meanwhile, Indian women’s hockey team coach Harendra Singh was very happy with the excellent performance of the players.
Coach Harendra Singh expressed his happiness over the team’s victory in the semi-finals. Praising the mentality of the players and their strategy regarding the game, he said that the team’s plan was to score a goal and then take control of the game, which all the players executed very well.
The coach said, “We knew that Japan would play with a defensive structure in this match after suffering a defeat against us in the league match. As expected, they played the same tactic, but we had already decided that it would be just one goal. It’s a matter of our players being patient and continuing their efforts till the last chance. As soon as that goal was scored, the game completely changed for us.”
Sharing his strategy for the final, he said, “We are confident that we will be able to break China’s strong defence. The Indian team has always performed better under pressure and this final will also be no different. We are confident about the final. 100 percent confident.”
India’s stellar performance in the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy has attracted the attention of the entire world. This victory of the Indian team has increased the expectations of the spectators and supporters regarding the final. Now everyone’s eyes are on the final match, where everyone wants to see the Indian team become champion once again.
The Indian coach thanked the government of Bihar for organizing such a big hockey event on this scale. He said that this is a proud moment not only for the hockey lovers of the state but also the entire country.
SP Bharat Soni, who was present at the stadium, said, “Along with enjoying the tournament, the people here are also following the rules. Whatever security arrangements have been made, everyone is understanding and following them.” We have made preparations at every level to make the event safe and organized.”
–IANS
AMJ/ABM
