Indian Junior Women's Hockey Team Dominates Japan in 2026 Junior Asia Cup

India's Stellar Performance Against Japan

Moqi, Sep 8: The Indian junior women's hockey squad showcased their prowess at the 2026 Junior Asia Cup, achieving a remarkable 7-0 victory over Japan during their third match in the Elite Pool on Tuesday.

This victory allowed India to maintain an unblemished record in the tournament, securing their advancement to the quarter-finals. With a total of nine points from three matches, India currently leads the Elite Pool.

India is set to face China on Wednesday in their final pool match, which will determine the top position in the group. China has gathered six points from two matches thus far.

Beginning their campaign with a 4-1 win against Korea, followed by an 11-1 triumph over Malaysia, India carried their offensive momentum into the match against Japan, asserting control from the start.

The Indian team’s early pressure paid off in the fifth minute when Krishna Sharma netted the first goal, giving India a 1-0 lead.

India quickly doubled their lead in the ninth minute after a foul by a Japanese defender inside the circle resulted in a penalty stroke. Supriya confidently converted the penalty, extending India's lead to 2-0.

Continuing their dominance, India scored a third goal just before the end of the first quarter, with Purnima Yadav finding the net in the 14th minute, concluding the quarter with a strong 3-0 advantage.

Japan attempted to increase their attacking efforts in the second quarter, but India remained vigilant, preventing any scoring. The teams went into halftime with India leading 3-0.

Japan entered the third quarter with renewed determination to score, but the Indian defense held firm against their advances.

India then ramped up their offense, scoring three goals within five minutes. Geeta Yadav struck a field goal in the 41st minute, making it 4-0, and she followed up with another goal in the 45th minute, further solidifying India's lead.

Just a minute later, Purnima Yadav scored again in the 46th minute, completing her brace and extending India's lead to 6-0 by the end of the third quarter.

In the final quarter, India maintained their aggressive play and were rewarded in the 50th minute when Sanika Chandrakant Mane scored her first goal, bringing the score to 7-0.

India comfortably managed the remainder of the match, celebrating their third consecutive victory and another impressive performance in the Elite Pool.