Hangzhou, China, October 7, 2023: China had to wait 13 years for the Asian Games to return to home soil, and then to win their fourth gold medal in women’s hockey defeating Korea 2-0 in the final at Gongshu Canal Sports Park on Saturday night.
Playing in front of joyous home fans, China not only won the gold medal but also booked their ticket in the women’s hockey competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“This is very special. We have worked so hard for this, and these girls have improved so much over the last year although we didn’t play so well today,” said proud China head coach Alyson Annan.
The emotional Dutchwoman believed her side showed a lot of heart and courage and this quality had taken them over the line, an aspect she believes will hold the team in good stead as they looked ahead to the Paris Olympics.
“To not play well and still win is good. These girls fought. We got the Olympic ticket, which is what we came for. I’m so happy for the team. I’m so happy for the girls. They gave up so much to do what they did today,” Annan added.
Goals from Chen Yi, in the seventh minute, and Zou Meirong, 54th minute, gave the Chinese the gold medal which was last in their grasp at the 2010 Guangzhou Games. Their other two titles came in 2002 and 2006.
Chen poked in her goal from a goal-mouth melee while Zhong also scored from close range, rifling in a powerful shot. With a 2-0 lead and less than five minutes on the clock, Korea took off their goalkeeper bringing on an extra player but it was to no avail.
Korea, four-time Asian Games gold medallists in 1986, 1990, 1998 and 2014, couldn’t break down the Chinese defence, allowing their rivals to draw level with the number of titles won.
*In the play-off for third place, India defeated Japan 2-1 to win the bronze. Sushila Pukhrambam broke a 1-1 deadlock late in the match converting a penalty corner to give India victory.
“I’m really happy that they rewarded themselves today with a medal. After the semi-finals, I asked our players to express themselves. I think you saw today how well we can play,” said Indian coach Janneke Schopman.
Deepika had opened the scoring in the fifth minute for India when she drag-flicked a penalty stroke, while Japan’s goal was scored just before half-time by skipper Yuri Nagai.
“For us to get a penalty stroke early on was a huge outcome,” said Dutchwoman Schopman. “It gave the team confidence.”
