Indian eves lift Asia Cup

Kakamigahara, November 6
Goalkeeper Savita Punia produced a stunning save in a tense shootout as India won the Asia Cup following a nerve-wracking win over China in the final here today.
The team broke a 13-year-old jinx when skipper Rani scored the final goal and Savita foiled an attempt from the rivals to ensure a 5-4 win.
It was in 2004 when the Indian women’s team had last clinched the Asia Cup by beating Japan 1-0.
Though India had already qualified for the World Cup, the win gave the team direct entry into next year’s big event, along with the bragging rights in the continent. India had failed to qualify for the last World Cup and finished ninth in the 2010 edition.
In the shootout, Rani scored twice while Monica, Lilima Minz and Navjot Kaur scored a goal each.
Earlier, it was Navjot who scored India’s lone goal in the 25th minute while China found a late equaliser through Tiantian Luo, who converted a penalty corner in the 47th minute.
China dominate at start
It was advantage China at the start as India conceded a penalty corner in the second minute. However, Savita was at her best and padded away the effort. Savita was spot-on with her defending again when China won their second PC. Navjot came close to scoring a field goal in the 17th minute but her diving effort was blocked. It was not until the 25th minute that India found the breakthrough as Navneet Kaur and Rani exchanged passes before penetrating the circle and setting up the chance for Navjot.
After trying for long, China finally got the equaliser. They won a PC through a successful video referral in the 47th minute. Luo kept the flick low to find the right corner.
China won their fourth PC of the match with less than three minutes to go for the final whistle. But it was brilliantly saved by rusher Sunita Lakra, and almost immediately, India launched a counterattack only to send the ball wide.
Navjot was named the Player of the Match.