The Indian women’s U-21 hockey team dramatically secured their second consecutive Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup title by defeating China 3-2 in a penalty shootout in Muscat, Oman. After a 1-1 draw in regulation time, India’s Nidhi made key saves, while Sakshi Rana, Ishika, and Sunelita Toppo scored in the shootout. The tournament qualified the top five teams for the FIH Junior World Cup in 2025, with Deepika Sehrawat leading as the top scorer with 12 goals.
In the Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024 held in Muscat, Oman, the Indian U-21 women’s hockey team demonstrated remarkable resilience to clinch their second consecutive title, overcoming China in a tense shootout. The match witnessed China taking the lead with Jinzhuang Tan’s goal, but India equalized through Kanika Siwach, leading to a thrilling penalty shootout where India emerged victorious with a score of 3-2. Indian goalkeeper Nidhi played a pivotal role by making three critical saves, while players Sakshi Rana, Ishika, and Sunelita Toppo successfully converted their shots, securing the title once again.
The game began with both teams showing equal determination, but India struggled to penetrate China’s defense early on, eventually conceding a goal before rallying back. The second quarter saw India controlling the play but failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The turning point came in the third quarter when Siwach’s field goal brought India back to level terms. The final minutes were replete with aggressive play from both sides, yet none could find the winning goal, necessitating a shootout to determine the champion. This tournament marked the eighth edition of the Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup and served as a qualifying event for the upcoming FIH Women’s Hockey Junior World Cup 2025, with India securing their spot along with four other teams. Notably, Deepika Sehrawat emerged as the tournament’s top scorer with 12 goals, contributing significantly to India’s success.
The Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup is a prestigious event held every two years, featuring top junior women’s hockey teams across Asia. The tournament serves not only as a platform for showcasing emerging talent in women’s hockey but also as a vital qualifying event for the FIH Women’s Hockey Junior World Cup. This edition took place in Muscat, Oman, where intense competition among teams culminated in India’s successful title defense. Understanding the historical context and the importance of this tournament helps appreciate the significance of India’s victory and the progression of women’s hockey in the region.
India’s victory at the Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024 is a testament to the team’s skill, determination, and strategic prowess, successfully defending their title against a formidable opponent in China. The team’s performance, particularly that of the goalkeeper Nidhi and top scorer Deepika Sehrawat, highlights the depth of talent within the squad. As the tournament also doubled as a qualifier for the FIH Women’s Hockey Junior World Cup 2025, India’s successful outing not only reinforces their position in Asian hockey but also sets the stage for future international competitions.
Original Source: olympics.com
