NEW DELHI: Harendra Singh was re-appointed the Indian women’s hockey team’s coach earlier this year, and he achieved his first objective on Wednesday by guiding the team to winning the Asian Champions Trophy in Rajgir, Bihar, to retain their crown.
In a pulsating final, the hosts defeated China 1-0, with tournament’s top goal-scorer Deepika scoring the only goal of the game with a reverse hit off a set-piece in the 31st minute. She finished the event with 11 goals and was named the ‘Player of the Tournament’.
After the match, the team gathered in the centre of the pitch as Harendra joined them to celebrate the triumph.
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It is India’s third ACT title, having previously won it in 2016 and 2023.
In the earlier match on Wednesday for the third-place, Japan defeated Malaysia 4-1.
Harendra, who was coaching the US men’s team before accepting the offer to coach the Indian women’s team once again, has been brought back with the vision of helping the team qualify for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 after missing the Paris bus.
Before that, at the Tokyo Olympics, the Indian women’s team registered their best ever performance with a fourth-place finish.
“Team India has once again proven their mettle with an unbeaten run in the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024!” Hockey India wrote on ‘X’. “After the heartbreak of the Olympic Qualifiers earlier this year, our girls have bounced back with unparalleled resilience and confidence, dominating the tournament from start to finish.
“This victory is a testament to their strength, skill and unwavering determination. A huge thank you to the incredible crowd in Rajgir – your energy and support were the driving force behind our girls every step of the way! Together, we’ve turned the tide and brought the trophy home once more!”
The Bihar government has decided to award Rs 10 lakh to every player of the team and coach Harendra.
The rest of the support staff will get Rs 5 lakh each.