The Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024 concluded on a triumphant note in the historic city of Rajgir, with India claiming the gold medal in a nail-biting final against China. The tournament was a resounding success, drawing immense support from fans and setting a new benchmark for women’s hockey in the region.
In a fiercely contested final, India edged out China 1-0 in a thrilling match. The home team demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, with Deepika leading the charge. Her outstanding performance throughout the tournament earned her two prestigious individual awards: AHF Top Scorer and Best Player.
China took home the silver medal after showcasing impressive teamwork and resilience throughout the tournament. Japan claimed the bronze medal after defeating Malaysia 4-1 in a commanding display of skill and teamwork during the third-place match.
For the first time in the tournament’s history, the Asian Hockey Federation introduced prize money for the top three teams, marking a significant milestone in promoting women’s hockey.
- Gold Medal (India): USD 10,000
- Silver Medal (China): USD 7,000
- Bronze Medal (Japan): USD 5,000
This initiative highlights the AHF’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding excellence in women’s hockey.
In addition to team prizes, individual players were honored for their exceptional contributions:
- AHF Most Promising Goalkeeper: Nasir Siti (MAS #1) – USD 500
- AHF Best Goalkeeper: Kudo Yu (JPN #34) – USD 500
- AHF Rising Star: Tan Jinzhuang (CHN #35) – USD 500
- AHF Top Scorer: Deepika (IND #55) – USD 1,000
- Bihar Best Player of the tournament: Deepika (IND #55) – USD 2,000
Deepika’s stellar performance solidified her reputation as a key player in Indian hockey.
Japan showcased their prowess in the third-place match, defeating Malaysia 4-1 in a decisive victory. The Japanese team demonstrated remarkable coordination and offensive play, securing the bronze medal.
The Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024 not only celebrated athletic excellence but also set a new precedent for gender equality in sports. With receiving prize money and global recognition, the tournament serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring women hockey players across Asia.
India’s gold medal victory, China’s silver and Japan’s strong finish, and the successful organization of the event reaffirm the region’s growing prominence in the world of hockey. The next edition promises to be even bigger and better, continuing the momentum gained in Rajgir.
by Asia Hockey
