Moqi, September 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team began its title defence at the Women’s Junior Asia Cup China 2026 with a convincing 4-1 victory over South Korea in its opening match in Moqi on Saturday.
The defending champions, who have won the last two editions of the tournament, produced a composed performance, with Sanika Chandrakant Mane, Purnima Yadav, Puja Sahoo and Madhu Sidar scoring for India.
India started strongly and created several chances in the opening quarter. Their pressure paid off in the eighth minute when Sanika Chandrakant Mane found the back of the net to give India a 1-0 lead.
India continued to press and earned two penalty corners in the opening quarter, including one in the 14th minute, but could not convert either opportunity.
The Indian attack maintained its momentum early in the second quarter and earned another penalty corner within the first five minutes. India were awarded a re-penalty corner after the initial attempt, but South Korea’s defence stood firm.
South Korea responded with increased pressure and won two penalty corners within a five-minute spell as they looked for an equaliser. India, however, defended resolutely and kept the Korean attack at bay.
India regained control towards the end of the quarter and earned another penalty corner in the dying moments. This time, a well-executed variation ended with Purnima Yadav scoring in the 30th minute to double India’s lead and send the defending champions into half-time 2-0 ahead.
South Korea returned with renewed intent in the third quarter, but India’s defence continued to absorb the pressure while the forwards threatened on the counter.
India’s persistence was rewarded in the closing moments of the quarter when they won another penalty corner and converted it, with Puja Sahoo scoring to make it 3-0.
India continued to dominate possession and territory in the final quarter and looked for a fourth goal. They earned another penalty corner seven minutes into the quarter, but South Korea successfully defended the attempt.
The Indian pressure eventually paid off in the 51st minute when Madhu Sidar scored to extend the lead to 4-0.
South Korea continued to fight until the final whistle and pulled a goal back in the 57th minute. Following another penalty corner, Korea executed a variation that allowed KIL Gabin to score.
India held firm during the closing stages to secure a 4-1 win and open their title defence with three points.
The Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team will next face Malaysia on Sunday in its second match of the Women’s Junior Asia Cup China 2026.
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