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Journalism of Courage
Indian eves at least has 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 eighth womens Asia Cup hockey tournament on Friday. India,who needed to win the tournament to qualify for next year’s World Cup to be held at The Hague,Netherlands,edged past China 3-2 in the shootout after both the teams were locked 2-2 at the regulation time.
India dominated proceedings in the first half and scored two field goals through Anuradha Devi Thokchom (16th minute) and Vandana Katariya (31st) to go into the breather with a comfortable 2-0 lead.
The Indian girls managed to hold on to their lead after the break and denied any openings to the nimble-footed Chinese till the 51st minute. China pulled one back in the 51st minute through Yan Yan’s field goal to liven up the match.
Sloppy defence
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 to take the encounter into shootout.
