India recently clinched the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024 with a thrilling 1-0 victory over China in Rajgir, Bihar. Deepika Kumari's decisive goal sealed the victory and capped off her stellar performance as the tournament's top scorer, netting an impressive 11 goals.

Deepika's journey to hockey glory is not ordinary. Raised in Hisar, Haryana, she initially trained as a wrestler, influenced by her family’s sporting background.

In Haryana, wrestling was the most popular choice for athletes and her family forced her to pursue the same. But when Deepika chose hockey, their reluctance was clear.

Credits: ANI News

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Her love for hockey began unexpectedly when she noticed girls playing hockey in the fields on her way to her wrestling practice.

Credits: AajTak

Intrigued, she decided to try the sport and soon, she was nurturing a newfound passion for hockey. As she yearned for support from her family during her school days, Deepika joined a hockey programme.

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Coached by Ejas Singh Malik during her childhood, Deepika honed her skills and soon gained national recognition for her performances in domestic leagues. Known for her precise drag-flicking, she has become an integral part of India’s hockey setup in recent years.

Credits: Reddit

In the semi-finals against Japan, the 20-year-old’s powerful drag-flicks secured a 3-0 win, propelling India to the finals. Her dominance on the field highlighted her growing influence in Indian hockey.

Credits: TOI

The final saw Deepika shine again, scoring the lone goal in a tense match against China. Her composure under pressure showcased her maturity and leadership on the field.

Credit: India TV News

This victory marked India’s third title in the tournament's history, with Deepika leading from the front. Her contributions were instrumental in maintaining India's unbeaten run throughout the competition.

Credits: Outlook India