India Clinches Women’s Junior Asia Cup Title

The Indian women’s junior hockey team successfully defended their Women’s Junior Asia Cup title by defeating China 3-2 in the final held in Muscat, Oman. India, the previous winners of the 2023 edition, claimed the 10th Women’s Junior Asia Cup in a thrilling penalty shoot-out after the match ended 1-1 in regulation time. With this victory, India qualified for the 2025 FIH Women’s Junior Hockey World Cup in Chile, alongside China, Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia.

Key Highlights 

• Venue and Dates: Held in Muscat, Oman, from December 7 to December 15, 2024.
• Final Match: India defeated China 3-2 in the penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

Goal Timeline

• Chinese player Jinzhuang scored the opening goal in the 30th minute.
• Kanika Siwach equalized for India in the 41st minute.
• Penalty Shoot-out Heroes: Indian goalkeeper Nidhi made three crucial saves.
• Ishika, Sakshi Rana, and Sunelita Toppo scored for India in the shoot-out.

Semi-Finals

• India defeated Japan 3-1.
• China defeated South Korea 4-1.
• Top Five Finishers: India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia qualified for the 2025 FIH Women’s Junior Hockey World Cup.
• Historic Achievement: Indian women emulated the Indian men’s team, which won the 2024 Men’s Junior Asia Cup in Muscat earlier.

Teams Qualified for the 2025 FIH Women’s Junior Hockey World Cup

• India (Champions)
• China (Runners-up)
• Japan (Third place)
• South Korea (Fourth place)
• Malaysia (Fifth place, defeated Thailand to secure qualification)

Penalty Shoot-out Decides the Winner

• The match ended 1-1 at the end of regulation time.
• Indian goalkeeper Nidhi played a pivotal role by saving three penalty attempts.
• Shoot-out Scorers for India: Ishika, Sakshi Rana, and Sunelita Toppo.

About the Women’s Junior Asia Cup

• Organizing Body: Asian Hockey Federation (AHF).
• Player Age Group: Under 21 years.
• Purpose: Serves as a qualification tournament for the FIH Women’s Junior Hockey World Cup.
• First Edition: Held in 1992 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
• Most Successful Team: South Korea (4 titles).
• India’s Titles: Two wins (2023 and 2024 editions).