The Indian women’s hockey team successfully defended their Asian Champions Trophy title, edging out Olympic silver medalist China with a thrilling 1-0 victory in the final on Wednesday. The Indian team displayed grit and determination to defeat China in the final, held in Rajgir, Bihar. 

Young striker Deepika scored the winner for India from a penalty corner in the 31st minute to finish as the tournament’s highest goal-getter with 11 strikes.

India had earlier stunned China 3-0 in the league stages of the tournament.

It was India’s third ACT title after winning the top honours in 2016 and 2023.

China, on the other hand, will have to settle for their third runner-up finish.

Japan finished third on the podium after defeating Malaysia 4-1 in the third-fourth place classification match earlier in the day. 

(With PTI inputs)