Olympian and former hockey captain Viren Rasquinha rated the Indian women's team Asia Cup title much higher than the men's win in Dhaka, Bangladesh last month. Yesterday, the women's side beat China 5-4 via a shootout in Japan to qualify for next year's World Cup. The team broke a 13-year jinx when skipper Rani scored the final goal and Savita foiled an attempt from the rivals to ensure a 5-4 win. India had failed to qualify for the last World Cup and finished ninth in the 2010 edition.

The Indian women's hockey team celebrate after beating China 5-4 via a shootout to lift the Asia Cup in Japan yesterday. Pic/PTI