Kakamigahara (Japan): Indian women’s hockey team won its maiden Junior Asia Cup title by beating four-time champions South Korea 2-1 in a thrilling final here today. After a long gap of 11 years, this was the second time that the Indian team got into the Women’s Junior Asia Cup final.
In a captivating final, India took the lead with Annu’s goal in the 22nd minute of the match. The Koreans equalised but Neelam’s goal in the 41st minute clinched the match for India.
In the semi-finals of the Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2023, India defeated the host country Japan 1-0 with a goal by Sunelita Toppo in the 46th minute of the game, yesterday. This victory had already secured India a spot in the FIH Women’s Junior World Cup 2023 to be played in Santiago, Chile, from November 29 to December 10, 2023.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today congratulated the hockey team for winning the 2023 Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup. In a tweet, Modi said, “Congratulations to our young champions on winning the 2023 Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup! The team has shown immense perseverance, talent and teamwork. They have made our nation very proud. Best wishes to them for their endeavours ahead.”
In the tournament, the Indian hockey team was drawn in Pool A alongside South Korea, Malaysia, Chinese Taipei and Uzbekistan. Before reaching the semi-finals, the Indian team had topped its Group with 3 wins and a 2-2 draw against South Korea. While India entered the final by beating Japan, South Korea beat China in the semi-final to reach the final of the tournament.
After winning the championship, Hockey India announced the players will receive a cash prize of Rs 2 lakhs each and support staff will receive a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh each for clinching their maiden Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 title.
– global bihari bureau
