Indian eves win Hockey Asia Cup

Kakamigahara (Japan) : Indian women's hockey team created history as they beat China in a tense shootout to lift the Women's Asia Cup after 13 years, while qualifying for next year's women's World Cup as Continental Champions, in Japan's Kakamigahara Kawasaki Stadium, yesterday. It was Indian skipper Rani Rampal who scored the winning goal for India, while Savita Punia made a great save in sudden death to ensure India the 5-4 score in the penalty shootout. Earlier, it was Navjot Kaur who scored India's lone goal in the 25th minute. It was in 2004 when Indian Women's Team lifted the Asia Cup after beating Japan 1-0 in the final. In the penalty shootout, Rani scored twice while Monica, Lilima Minz and Navjot scored a goal each to ensure India reclaimed the Asia Cup title after 13 years. Savita was adjudged goalkeeper of the tournament while Monica won woman of the match award. It is a sweet double for both Indian men and women as they are crowned Asia Cup Champions this year. The victorious Indian women's team will arrive home on Nov. 6.