India Complete Junior Asia Cup Hat-Trick With China Win

Sanika Chandrakant Mane’s early goal proved enough as India defeated China 1-0 in a tense final to win the AHF Junior Asia Cup for a record third consecutive time and secure qualification for the junior hockey World Cup here on Sunday.

Sanika scored in the 17th minute as the defending champions maintained their continental dominance with an unbeaten campaign.

Sanika Mane Gives India Crucial Lead

The final began with both teams showing nervous energy, with neither side able to establish sustained control.

China enjoyed more possession during the opening quarter and attempted to put India under pressure, but the Indian defence remained organised and absorbed the early attacks without allowing a clear opening.

India then made their first significant opportunity count.

Two minutes into the second quarter, Sanika’s intelligent movement took her behind a Chinese defender and into space around five metres from goal. She got her stick to a long slap-push into the circle and produced a deft deflection that beat goalkeeper Xu Mengjiao.

China Miss Chance To Equalise

China came closest to levelling the Junior Asia Cup final when they earned the only penalty corner of the match.

However, their direct attempt was ruled out after the ball entered the goal above the permitted height of the backboard, giving India a major reprieve.

India almost doubled their advantage shortly before half-time when captain Khaidem Shileima Chanu found room for a shot on target. Chinese goalkeeper Xu reacted quickly to palm the effort away.

India went into the interval with their narrow 1-0 advantage intact.

India Defence Holds Firm

China resumed the second half with greater attacking intent and came close to an equaliser seven minutes into the third quarter.

A well-constructed move saw a Chinese attacker overlap from the baseline before sending a dangerous cut-back towards the goalmouth. India’s defence anticipated the move and intercepted the pass before it could reach its target.

The final quarter became a test of India’s defensive discipline.

India remained compact around their circle, closed down spaces and repeatedly disrupted China’s attacking moves. The hosts continued to press for an equaliser in the closing stages, but the Indian defence held its shape to protect the lead.

India Win Junior Asia Cup Unbeaten

The 1-0 victory completed an unbeaten campaign for India in the Junior Asia Cup hockey tournament.

The defending champions topped the Elite Pool with three wins and a draw before defeating South Korea 5-1 in the semifinals.

Their victory over China in the final secured a third consecutive Junior Asia Cup title and ensured India qualified for the junior hockey World Cup.

Hockey India also announced a prize of Rs 3 lakh for each player, while every member of the support staff will receive Rs 1.5 lakh.

India’s latest triumph further underlines their dominance in junior women’s hockey in Asia, with the team successfully retaining its continental crown while securing a place at the World Cup.