New Delhi || 26-12-2024
After a scintillating 1-1 draw at the end of regulation time, India prevailed over China 3-2 in the penalty shootout to win the Women’s Junior Asia Cup title for the second time in a row at Muscat, Oman on 15 December.
Jinzhuang Tan (30’) scored the first goal for China but Kanika Siwach (41’) equalized in the third quarter for India as the match went into a penalty shootout. India’s goalkeeper Nidhi made three crucial saves during the penalty shootout to help her side lift the title.
Both India and China had shown tremendous efforts in the first quarter as they tried to find an opening goal. The possession was shared and both teams created good opportunities but couldn’t break the deadlock. India received two penalty corners but they were defended well by the Chinese to keep it all square.
Despite both sides tried everything on the field, but they couldn’t be separated in the four quarters played and the finally went into a penalty shootout.
Sakshi Rana, Ishika and Sunelita Toppo scored for India in the penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Nidhi made three brilliant saves against Lihang Wang, Jingyi Li and Dandan Zuo to ensure India defended its title.
China had defeated India in the Pool A match.
Hockey India, on the occasion, announced a reward of Rs 2 lakh for each player and Rs 1 lakh to each support staff as a gesture for everyone’s effort and winning the championship.
With this win India qualified for the World Cup to be played in Chile next year.
