Moqi (China): The Indian junior women’s hockey team continued their dominant run at the Asia Cup, cruising to a commanding 7-0 victory over Japan in their third elite pool match to secure a place in the quarterfinals here on Tuesday.
With nine points from three matches, India currently sit at the top of the Elite Pool.
They will face China on Wednesday in their final pool match, which will determine the top position in the pool. China currently have six points from two matches.
India continued to dominate proceedings and added a third goal just before the end of the opening quarter. Purnima Yadav scored a field goal in the 14th minute as India finished the first quarter with a commanding 3-0 lead.
Japan came out with greater attacking intent in the second quarter as they looked to find a way back into the contest, while India continued to search for opportunities to extend their advantage. However, neither side was able to add to the scoreline, and India went into the half-time break with a comfortable 3-0 lead.
Japan began the third quarter with renewed attacking intent, looking to register their first goal of the match. However, the Indian defence remained resolute and effectively nullified Japan’s attempts.
India then shifted through the gears once again, scoring three goals in the space of five minutes. Geeta Yadav smashed a field goal in the 41st minute to make it 4-0 before completing her brace in the 45th minute, further strengthening India’s commanding position.
India continued their dominance and added another goal just a minute later. Purnima Yadav found the back of the net in the 46th minute to complete her brace and take India’s lead to 6-0 at the end of the third quarter.
The Indian side maintained their attacking intent in the final quarter and were rewarded once again in the 50th minute when Sanika Chandrakant Mane scored her first goal of the match to make it 7-0.
India comfortably saw out the remainder of the match to register their third consecutive victory and another emphatic result in the Elite Pool.
With nine points from three matches, India currently sit at the top of the Elite Pool. They will face China on 9 September in their final pool match, with the encounter set to determine the top position in the pool. China currently have six points from two matches.
With their victory over Japan, India have also secured qualification for the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Junior Asia Cup.
