The 2017 Women’s Hockey Asia Cup was held from October 28 to November 5, 2017, in Kakamigahara, Gifu, Japan. This ninth edition of the tournament brought together the top women’s hockey teams from across Asia, all competing for continental glory and a spot at the 2018 Hockey World Cup in England. India entered the competition with determination and hunger, looking to win their second Asia Cup title. Throughout the tournament, the Indian team displayed outstanding teamwork, tactical discipline, and fighting spirit. Let’s take a closer look at India’s match-by-match journey to glory.
India’s Journey Begins: Group Stage Matches
India vs Singapore (28 October 2017)
India launched their campaign in style with a commanding 10-0 win over Singapore. The match was one-sided from start to finish as India controlled possession and constantly threatened the goal. Navneet Kaur struck twice (3rd, 41st minutes), while Rani Rampal (15th, 18th), Lalremsiami (18th), Deep Grace Ekka (25th), Navjot Kaur (30th, 50th), Gurjit Kaur (42nd), and Sonika (45th) joined the goal fest. The performance highlighted India’s depth in attack and set a strong tone for the rest of the tournament.
India vs China (30 October 2017)
Facing one of their main rivals, India rose to the occasion with a 4-1 win over China. Gurjit Kaur opened the scoring with a penalty corner in the 19th minute. Navjot Kaur, Monika, and Rani Rampal added to the tally, while China pulled one back through Cui Qiuxia. India’s solid defense and sharp transitions helped them take control of this crucial match, boosting their morale for the knockout rounds.
India vs Malaysia (31 October 2017)
India wrapped up the group stage with a 2-0 victory over a disciplined Malaysian side. The breakthrough came late, with Vandana Katariya scoring in the 54th minute and Gurjit Kaur adding another a minute later. India’s patience and possession game paid off, and a third consecutive clean sheet ensured they finished top of their group with full points.
Dominance in the Knockout Stage
Quarterfinal: India vs Kazakhstan (2 November 2017)
India faced an early shock as Kazakhstan’s Vera Domashneva scored in the 2nd minute. But the Indian side responded with composure and class. Gurjit Kaur scored a hat-trick (4th, 42nd, 56th), while Navneet Kaur netted twice. Deep Grace Ekka contributed with two goals from penalty corners. The 7-1 win was a statement of India’s strength and resilience heading into the semifinals.
Semifinal: India vs Japan (3 November 2017)
In a high-pressure game against the hosts, India got off to a flying start. Gurjit Kaur (7th, 9th minutes) and Navjot Kaur (9th minute) gave India a 3-0 cushion. Japan hit back with two goals before halftime, but Lalremsiami’s strike in the 38th minute sealed a 4-2 win. It was a gritty performance that showed India’s ability to handle pressure and finish strong.
The Big Final: India vs China (5 November 2017)
India and China squared off in a tense final at Kakamigahara. Navjot Kaur opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a well-placed finish. China responded in the 47th minute through Tiantain Luo, tying the match at 1-1. With no further goals in regulation time, the final went to a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, both teams converted four attempts, sending the game into sudden death. Captain Rani Rampal stepped up and scored, while China’s final shot was saved—securing India’s second Asia Cup title in dramatic fashion. The team celebrated a hard-fought win, built on unity, courage, and determination.
Final Results: Who Finished Where?
India’s triumph in the final not only earned them the Asia Cup title but also a direct berth in the 2018 Hockey World Cup. The final standings were:
Champion – India
2nd Place – China
3rd Place – South Korea
4th Place – Japan
Conclusion: A Historic Victory
India’s campaign in the Women’s Asia Cup 2017 was a perfect blend of flair, strategy, and grit. Players like Gurjit Kaur, Rani Rampal, Navjot Kaur, and Deep Grace Ekka rose to the occasion time and again. The team’s calmness under pressure, particularly in the final, highlighted their growth and maturity. This win not only ended a long wait for a second title but also signaled India’s rising stature in international women’s hockey. With this momentum, the team looked ahead to the World Cup stage, ready to take on the world.
