Indian women had something to cheer about after missing out on a berth in next year’s World Cup, as they defeated China via penalty shootout to clinch the bronze medal in the 8th women’s Asia Cup hockey tournament in Kuala Lumpur on Friday. India, who needed to win the tournament to qualify for next year’s World Cup at The Hague, Netherlands, edged past China 3-2 in the shootout after both the teams were locked 2-2 in regulation time. By virtue of this win, the Indians managed to avenge their 0-1 defeat to the Chinese in the pool stage of the tournament. India dominated proceedings in the first half, scoring two field goals through Anuradha Devi Thokchom (16th minute) and Vandana Katariya (31st) to go into the breather with a comfortable lead. The Indian girls managed to hold on to their lead after the lemon break and denied any openings to the nimble-footed Chinese. China pulled one back in the 51st minute through Yan Yan’s field goal to liven up the match. The Indians had themselves to blame as some sloppy defending towards the end allowed China to draw parity when Wu Mengrong scored the equaliser in the 64th minute. Thereafter, both the teams played cautiously in the last six minutes.
