Hockey Asian Champions Trophy: Deepika fires again as India cruise into semis

Defending champions India stormed into the semifinals of the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy with an unbeaten record, defeating Japan 3-0 here on Sunday.

Continuing her stellar form, star striker Deepika netted a quick-fire brace from penalty corners in the final quarter to seal the victory, following vice-captain Navneet Kaur’s opener in the 37th minute. Deepika, the tournament’s leading scorer, now boasts 10 goals.

With this win, India topped the league stage with a maximum 15 points from five matches, ahead of Olympics silver medallists China (12 points). India will take on fourth-placed Japan in their semifinal on Tuesday, while China will play third-placed Malaysia in the other last-four game.

The Indians secured their first scoring chance in the form of back-to-back penalty corners in the eighth minute but Deepika’s flick from the second effort was brilliantly saved by Japanese goalkeeper Yu Kudo. India earned another penalty corner in the 13th minute but yet again wasted the chance.

The Indians continued to dominate and secured their fourth penalty corner in the 25th minute but once again Kudo rose to the occasion and made three brilliant saves to deny the hosts. A minute after the change of ends, Kudo again came to Japan’s rescue to deny Deepika.

India eventually broke the deadlock in the 37th minute through Navneet’s brilliant tomahawk shot into the far corner.

The Indians continued their domination and earned three back-to-back penalty corners in the 47th minute and Deepika finally found the back of the net with a powerful low drag-flick to open her account.

A minute later, the Indians secured another set piece and this time too Deepika struck with a powerful flick into the top right corner, effectively sealing the match.

Credit must also go to the Indian defence, led brilliantly by Udita and Sushila Chanu, as they didn’t let the Japanese take a single shot at the Indian goal.

Skipper Salima Tete, Neha and Sharmila Devi too were brilliant in the midfield, creating numerous chances for the forward-line with their runs and neat dribbling skills.