Purnima Yadav struck twice as India registered a commanding 4–0 win over Ireland in their final Pool C match at the FIH Junior Women’s World Cup in Santiago on Friday.
India’s goals came through Purnima Yadav (42′, 58′), Kanika Siwach (12′), and Sakshi Rana (57′) at the Centro Deportivo de Hockey Césped, Estadio Nacional.
India dominated from the start, creating multiple penalty-corner opportunities, though early attempts went unfinished. The breakthrough came in the 12th minute when Sakshi set up Kanika, who rounded the Irish keeper to score.
Despite continued pressure and several penalty corners, India ended the first half with just a one-goal advantage, thanks to strong saves from Ireland’s goalkeeper Lucy McGoldrick.
India intensified control in the third quarter, and in the 42nd minute, Purnima doubled the lead by neatly deflecting a penalty-corner pass from Sakshi Shukla.
Ireland attempted a late fightback, but Indian defender Nandini made a crucial block to deny Eabha Curran.
India sealed the result with two goals in quick succession in the 57th and 58th minutes—Sakshi’s brilliant solo effort followed by Purnima’s composed second goal.
With this emphatic win, India concluded their pool stage campaign on a high.
India now wait for the result of the remaining Pool C match between Germany and Namibia.
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