Indian U18 Women's Hockey Team Clinches Bronze at Asia Cup 2026

The Indian U18 Women’s Hockey Team secured a Bronze Medal at the Women’s U18 Asia Cup 2026 by defeating Korea 3-0. With standout performances from players like Sandeepa Kumari and Nousheen Naz, the team showcased their attacking prowess and defensive strength throughout the tournament. This victory marks a significant achievement for the team, concluding their campaign on a high note. The final match of the tournament will see China face Japan later today, while the Indian U18 Men's Hockey Team prepares for their final match against Japan as well. Read on for more details about this exciting tournament.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 6, 2026, 13:18 IST

India Secures Bronze Medal in Women's U18 Asia Cup

Photo: @Bholana97117226/X

New Delhi, June 6: The Indian U18 Women’s Hockey Team achieved a remarkable feat by winning the Bronze Medal at the Women’s U18 Asia Cup 2026, defeating Korea 3-0 in the bronze medal match held in Kakamigahara, Japan, on Saturday.

Goals from Sandeepa Kumari (2’), Captain Sweety Kujur (16’), and Nousheen Naz (33’) ensured India finished their campaign on a high note.

After a narrow loss to China in the semi-finals, the team was eager to redeem themselves. They made an explosive start, with Sandeepa Kumari scoring just two minutes into the match, setting a positive tone for the game.

India maintained their dominance, creating several chances. In the 16th minute, Captain Sweety Kujur extended the lead with a field goal, giving India a solid advantage as they entered the second quarter.

With a two-goal lead, India continued to control the match and increased their score in the 33rd minute. The tournament's leading scorer, Nousheen Naz, netted her 12th goal of the competition, further solidifying her top position in the scoring charts.

Defensively, India was resolute, preventing Korea from finding clear scoring chances while posing threats on counterattacks. The team successfully maintained their clean sheet, comfortably managing the remainder of the match to clinch the bronze medal.

Sandeepa Kumari's pivotal role and her opening goal earned her the Player of the Match title.

This bronze medal signifies a strong conclusion to India's journey in the Women’s U18 Asia Cup 2026, where the team demonstrated impressive attacking skills, scoring a total of 36 goals, alongside solid defensive performances.

The final match of the Women’s U18 Asia Cup 2026 between China and Japan is scheduled for later on Saturday at 1:30 PM IST in Kakamigahara, Japan.

Additionally, the Indian U18 Men's Hockey Team is set to face the Japan U18 Men's Hockey Team later on Saturday at 03:30 PM IST in the final of the Men's U18 Asia Cup 2026.