India defeat China to win Women's Hockey Asia Cup 2017, qualify for World Cup

The India women’s hockey team on Sunday qualified for next year’s World Cup after overcoming China 5-4 via a shootout in a nail-biting Asia Cup final in Kakamigahara, Japan.

It was 1-1 at full time after China found a late equaliser through Tiantian Luo, who converted a penalty corner in the 47^th minute.

India had scored through Navjot Kaur in the 25^th minute of the game.

The triumph of the Indian women’s team follows the Asia Cup victory of the men’s side last month.

India had to wait long for their second Women’s Asia Cup title with the last one coming way back in 2004, when they had beaten Japan in New Delhi for the trophy.

South Korea secured third place with a 1-0 win over Japan earlier in the day.