The India women’s hockey team, a disappointing Asian Games campaign on its mind, wanted to set the record straight by clinching the gold medal in the just-concluded Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) in Ranchi, skipper Savita Punia said.
Touted as favourites, India lost to eventual winners China 0-4 in the Asiad semi-final in Hangzhou in October.
But the Indians roared back to form to clinch their second Asian Champions Trophy title in Ranchi on Sunday with a 4-0 win over Japan.
“We came with a target. We wanted to set the record straight after the team fell short in the Asian Games. We wanted to claim the gold medal here, especially since it was being held in India for the first time,” said Savita after claiming the ACT title on Sunday.
“We always take it one game at a time in every tournament. This time, the whole team had a point to prove and I am glad we were able to do so.”
India will look to repeat the performance at the women’s FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, scheduled to be held at Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh AstroTurf Hockey Stadium from January 13 to 19.
Hockey India declared a reward of Rs 3 lakh for each player and Rs 1.50 lakh for each member of the support staff.
