Mokpo: India retained their dominance in junior women’s hockey by defeating hosts China 1-0 in the final of the AHF Junior Women’s Hockey Asia Cup in Mokpo, securing the continental title for the third consecutive edition.
Forward Sanika Chandrakant Mane scored the decisive goal in the 17th minute, converting a field opportunity to give India a lead that the team defended resolutely until the final whistle.
The victory means India have now won the Junior Women’s Hockey Asia Cup in 2023, 2024 and 2026, drawing level with China’s record of three titles. South Korea remain the most successful team in the tournament’s history with four championships.
India enjoyed an impressive campaign, winning all six of their matches, with their only non-win coming in a draw against China during the elite pool stage.
China had opportunities to level the final, including a penalty corner, but India’s disciplined defensive unit kept the hosts from finding the breakthrough. India, meanwhile, did not earn a penalty corner during the match.
The Indian defence faced sustained pressure during the second half, particularly in the third quarter, but remained organised and composed. Captain and full-back Shilima Chanu Khaidem received a green card five minutes before the end and spent two minutes off the field. Despite being temporarily reduced in numbers, India held on to their narrow advantage under the guidance of coach Tim White.
Earlier in the match, China had a penalty corner shortly after India took the lead, but the resulting effort was ruled invalid. India’s goalkeeper Ju Mengjiao also made an important save shortly before half-time to prevent India from extending their advantage.
The third-place play-off saw Japan defeat South Korea to claim the bronze medal. Japan’s goals came from Retsuka Tetsuka, who converted a penalty corner in the fifth minute, and Momoka Suzuki, who scored a field goal four minutes before the final whistle.
India, China and Japan have consequently secured qualification for the 2027 FIH Women’s Junior Hockey World Cup, while South Korea missed out after their defeat to Japan.
Indian players among tournament’s leading scorers
Sanika Mane, along with teammates Supriya and Purnima Yadav, finished with six goals each and shared the second position among the tournament’s leading scorers.
For India, Geeta Yadav scored five goals, while Pooja Sahu and Madhu Sidar contributed four each. Pooja Malik, Sukhveer and Krishna Sharma scored three apiece, while Roshni Aind found the net twice. Tanuja Toppo and Dinesh Kadu Tanushree also scored once each.
Following India’s successful title defence, Hockey India announced a reward of ₹3 lakh for every player in the championship-winning squad. Each member of the support staff will receive ₹1.5 lakh.
India’s latest triumph underlines the country’s growing strength in women’s junior hockey and provides further momentum ahead of the 2027 FIH Women’s Junior Hockey World Cup.
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