India Suffered a 0-4 Defeat Against China, Will Compete for the Bronze Medal
Image source: Sports Digest
In a highly anticipated clash at the Asian Games, the Indian women’s hockey team faced a challenging 0-4 defeat against China in the first semifinal. Held in Hangzhou, this encounter showcased intense action and determination on both sides of the field.
Despite their persistent efforts and numerous goal-scoring opportunities, India was unable to find the back of the net, while China managed to secure four goals, courtesy of Jiaqi Zhong, Meirong Zou, Meiyu Liang, and Bingfeng GU.
The match commenced with China quickly penetrating deep into India’s territory, putting immediate pressure on India’s defensive line. This early offensive strategy led to China earning the first Penalty Corner of the game. However, India’s Captain and goalkeeper, Savita, displayed exceptional skill and made a crucial save to deny China the lead.
Simultaneously, the Indian team endeavored to assert control over the game by applying pressure on China and executing swift passes. Nevertheless, China continued to showcase its attacking prowess, consistently keeping the pressure on India. India, in response, defended admirably to thwart China’s advances.
The second quarter began in a similar fashion, with China launching relentless attacks, earning themselves an early penalty corner. Once again, Savita’s goalkeeping heroics came to India’s rescue with an impressive save. However, China ultimately managed to break the deadlock by capitalizing on a penalty corner. Jiaqi Zhong’s shot deflected off Nikki Pradhan’s foot, and found its way across the goal line, giving China a 1-0 lead as they entered halftime.
Determined to find an equalizer, India intensified their efforts in the third quarter. Nevertheless, China maintained control, continuously testing India’s defense and extending its lead when Meirong Zou (40’) scored through another penalty corner. Despite India’s increased attacking frequency and consecutive penalty corner opportunities in the final quarter, they couldn’t convert. Deep Grace Ekka’s shot inside the goal was ruled as dangerous. The third quarter ended with China holding a 2-0 advantage.
In their quest to stage a comeback, India launched relentless attacks in the fourth and final quarter. However, China managed to find the net once again, this time through a counter-attack as Meiyu Liang (55’) penetrated India’s defensive line on the left flank, scoring on the rebound despite Nikki Pradhan’s efforts to save the ball. In the dying minutes of the game, China sealed their victory with one more goal as Bingfeng GU, converted a penalty corner, securing a 4-0 win for her team.
With this impressive victory, China has earned a spot in the tournament’s final, while India will now prepare to face either Korea or Japan in the Bronze medal match, scheduled for Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 13:30 hrs IST.
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- Athul Suresh is a journalism graduate currently enrolled in a Post Graduate program. Additionally, he works as a tutor, specializing in instructing SSC CGL students.
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