New Delhi: The Government of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, today, felicitated the Indian Women’s Hockey Team and coaching staff for their title win at the 4th Asian Champions Trophy in Singapore.
The felicitation which happened at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, earlier today, saw the entire Indian Women’s Hockey Team led by Captain Deepika and Coach Neil Hawgood rewarded by Shri. Vijay Goel, Sports Minister and Shri. Rajiv Yadav, Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Also present at the occasion was Former Indian Hockey Captain Viren Rasquinha who was all praise for the remarkable performance by the team.
At the 4th Asian Champions Trophy held at Singapore, earlier this month, the Indian Eves won the Asian Champions Trophy title for the first time after defeating China 2-1 in a thrilling final encounter that displayed their conviction and hunger for victory. This tournament win was a much needed win for the Indian women after their horrible show at the 2016 version of the Summer Olympics which they had qualified after a gap of 36 years.
The best finish of Indian women at the Asian level, before the 2016 version came in 2013 when they runners-up to Japan. This year was a unique year for the Indian Hockey lovers as India secured the title in both men’s and women’s category; the Men’s Team clinched the Asia Champions title getting the better of arch-rivals Pakistan at Kuantan City, Malaysia.
The win had seen the whole of India gone into celebration mode as congratulatory messages came pouring for the two teams from each and every quarters of the country. Hockey India, the Indian Federation had also rewarded the team with a cash prize announcement of Rs 2 Lakhs the each for the players and the Chief Coach Neil Hawgood; Rs 1 Lakh for the other support staff. An additional cash reward of Rs 1 Lakh was announced for Deepika – the highest Scorer of the Tournament.