India Wins Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024, Defeating China in Shootout

The Indian women’s hockey team won the Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024 in Muscat, Oman, defeating China 3-2 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Key performances included goals from Kanika Siwach and crucial saves from goalkeeper Nidhi. This victory secures India’s place in the FIH Women’s Hockey Junior World Cup 2025, with Deepika Sehrawat being the tournament’s top scorer.

In a thrilling final at the Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024 held in Muscat, Oman, the Indian Under-21 women’s hockey team claimed the championship title by defeating China in a tense penalty shootout on Sunday. The match began with China’s Jinzhuang Tan scoring a goal in the 30th minute, setting a challenging pace for India. However, Kanika Siwach’s equalizer in the 41st minute brought India back into contention. After a gripping 1-1 tie in regulation time, India triumphed 3-2 in the shootout, with remarkable saves made by goalkeeper Nidhi. Scorers for India in the shootout included Sakshi Rana, Ishika, and Sunelita Toppo.

The match showcased fierce competition from the onset, with both teams striving for the first goal. India secured several penalty corners in the first quarter but failed to penetrate China’s robust defense. As the match progressed, the Indians took control, yet China ended the second quarter with a penalty stroke that tilted the momentum temporarily in their favour. A brilliant display by India in the third quarter culminated in Siwach’s goal, leveling the score and reigniting their hopes for victory.

In the final quarter, both squads aggressively sought the winning goal but were ultimately unable to convert scoring opportunities, including missed penalty corners from both teams. The match remained finely balanced, leading to a decisive penalty shootout, where India’s composure under pressure clinched the win. This victory marks India’s second consecutive title at the Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup, further securing their place in the upcoming FIH Women’s Hockey Junior World Cup 2025 in Chile, having qualified alongside the top five teams from the tournament. Notably, Deepika Sehrawat emerged as the tournament’s leading goal-scorer, netting 12 goals throughout the competition.

The Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup, an important competition for under-21 teams in Asia, serves both as a championship and a qualifying event for the Junior World Cup. It aims to promote women’s hockey across the continent while providing emerging players with high-level competitive exposure. The 2024 edition in Muscat, Oman, saw a range of talented teams, culminating in a showdown between India and China, both of whom displayed exceptional skill and determination. India’s previous title win in 2023 set high expectations for their performance in this year’s tournament, where they successfully defended their title against formidable opponents, solidifying their status in Asian women’s hockey.

In conclusion, the Indian Under-21 women’s hockey team demonstrated remarkable skill and resilience during the Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024. Their journey culminated in a hard-fought victory against China, highlighting their growth and commitment to the sport. The success not only reinforces India’s position in women’s hockey but also prepares them for future international challenges, including the FIH Women’s Hockey Junior World Cup 2025. With key players making significant contributions, India’s future in hockey looks promising and competitive on the global stage.

Original Source: olympics.com