India successfully defended the Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup title in 2024, defeating China in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. Goalkeeper Nidhi’s three saves and goals by Sakshi Rana, Ishika, and Sunelita Toppo in the shootout secured India’s victory. This tournament also served as a qualifier for the FIH Women’s Hockey Junior World Cup 2025, with Deepika Sehrawat named top scorer.
In the Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024 held in Muscat, Oman, the Indian women’s hockey team exhibited remarkable determination to clinch the title for the second consecutive time. They faced off against the People’s Republic of China and secured victory in a tense penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw at the end of regulation time. China initially took the lead through a goal from Jinzhuang Tan, but Kanika Siwach equalized for India shortly after. The shootout concluded with India prevailing 3-2, thanks to key saves from goalkeeper Nidhi and successful conversions by Sakshi Rana, Ishika, and Sunelita Toppo.
The match commenced with a tightly contested first quarter, during which neither team could break the deadlock despite India receiving several penalty corners. The contest turned in China’s favor late in the second quarter when they converted a penalty stroke. India regained control of the match in the third quarter, culminating in Siwach’s equalizing goal from a coordinated team effort. Both teams pressed for a winner in the dying minutes but were unable to score before the match entered the shootout.
This tournament marked the eighth installment of the Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup, which also served as a qualifying event for the upcoming FIH Women’s Hockey Junior World Cup 2025 in Chile. With this victory, India and the top four other teams from the tournament secured their spots in the World Cup. Additionally, Deepika Sehrawat emerged as the top scorer of the competition with twelve goals, contributing significantly to India’s success in the tournament.
The Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup is a prestigious tournament that showcases the skills of under-21 hockey teams from across Asia. This event not only promotes the sport at the junior level but also serves as a qualifying platform for the FIH Women’s Hockey Junior World Cup. The 2024 edition, held in Oman, brought together multiple teams, allowing them to compete fiercely for the championship and for spots in the World Cup scheduled to occur next year in Chile.
In summary, the Indian women’s hockey team successfully defended their title at the Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024, demonstrating resilience and skill throughout the tournament. Their journey concluded with a dramatic shootout victory over China, culminating in their qualification for the FIH Women’s Hockey Junior World Cup 2025. The tournament’s outcome highlighted the growth and competitiveness of women’s hockey in Asia, with India emerging as a key force.
Original Source: olympics.com
