The 2022 Women’s Hockey Asia Cup, the 10th edition of this prestigious tournament, took place in Muscat, Oman, from January 21 to 28, 2022. Organized by the Asian Hockey Federation, the competition saw top Asian teams battle for supremacy. India, the defending champions, began their journey with hopes of retaining the title. While they fell short of the final, their determination led them to a well-deserved bronze medal.
Let’s take a look at how India performed in each match and the road to their podium finish.
India’s Campaign: A Roller-Coaster Ride
- January 21, 2022: India vs Malaysia (Won 9-0)
India kicked off their Women’s Hockey Asia Cup 2022 campaign in style with a resounding 9-0 win over Malaysia. The team dominated from the start, with Navneet Kaur, Vandana Katariya, and Sharmila Devi each scoring a brace. Deep Grace Ekka and Lalremsiami also found the net. India’s attacking play was too strong for the Malaysian defense, and they comfortably moved to the top of Pool A with this huge victory. - January 23, 2022: India vs Japan (Lost 0-2)
India suffered a 2-0 defeat against Japan in their second match. Japan’s captain Yuri Nagai scored early in the second minute, and Saki Tanaka sealed the win for Japan in the second half. Despite more possession in the second half, India couldn’t convert their chances. This loss saw India fall to second place in the group behind Japan. - January 24, 2022: India vs Singapore (Won 9-1)
India bounced back with a dominant 9-1 victory over Singapore, which secured them a place in the semi-finals. Gurjit Kaur was the star of the match, scoring a hat-trick, while Monika, Jyoti, Vandana Katariya, and Mariana Kujur also contributed goals. This victory not only advanced India to the next stage but also earned them a spot in the 2022 Women’s Hockey World Cup, to be held in Spain and the Netherlands. - January 26, 2022: India vs South Korea (Lost 2-3)
In a tightly contested semi-final, India lost 3-2 to South Korea. India took the lead through Neha’s first-half goal, but South Korea fought back in the second half. The Koreans scored three goals, including two in the fourth quarter, while India’s Lalremsiami pulled one back late in the game. Despite their best efforts, India couldn’t overcome the South Korean pressure and were relegated to the bronze medal match. - January 28, 2022: India vs China (Won 2-0)
India triumphed 2-0 over China in the bronze medal match to claim their third bronze medal in Women’s Asia Cup history. Sharmila Devi and Gurjit Kaur scored the crucial goals for India in the first half. Despite China’s late attempts, India’s defense stood strong, and goalkeeper Savita Punia made some crucial saves to secure the win. This victory marked India’s fourth consecutive podium finish in the tournament.
Final Standings: India Secures Bronze
After a roller-coaster journey, India finished in third place. Here’s a look at the final standings:
- 1st: Japan
- 2nd: South Korea
- 3rd: India
- 4th: China
- 5th: Malaysia
Conclusion: A Campaign to Remember
India’s performance in the 2022 Women’s Hockey Asia Cup was one of resilience and determination. Despite setbacks in their encounters with Japan and South Korea, the team showed great character, especially in the final match against China. The bronze medal finish is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and it continues their streak of success in the Asia Cup.
Though India’s title defense didn’t go as planned, they learned valuable lessons and gained crucial experience for future international tournaments. The team’s journey to the bronze medal was full of highs and lows, but their perseverance and skill ultimately earned them a place on the podium. As they look ahead, this performance will serve as motivation to aim for higher honors in upcoming competitions.
