Indian Women's Hockey Team Secures Silver at FIH Youth Hockey5s Championship

Runner-Up Finish in Muscat

The Indian Women's Hockey Team achieved a remarkable runner-up position at the FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship held in Muscat, Oman, after losing 2-4 to China in the final match on Saturday. India advanced to the final by defeating Kazakhstan with an impressive score of 8-1 in the semi-finals.

Final Match Highlights

In the final, China quickly took control, with Tongtong Lu scoring in the first minute. Kexin Tang added another goal in the 5th minute, followed by Jiaxin Guo, who made it 3-0 just a minute later. India fought back after halftime, with Nousheen Naz scoring in the 13th minute to narrow the gap. However, Chen Ge restored China's three-goal lead in the 19th minute. Pushpa Manjhi scored for India in the 20th minute, but China ultimately secured the victory with a final score of 4-2.

Dominant Semi-Final Performance

Earlier, India showcased a dominant performance against Kazakhstan in the semi-finals. Sandeepa Kumari opened the scoring in the 5th minute, followed by Pushpa Manjhi, who netted three goals, including two in the 8th minute. Kazakhstan's Ayanat Mazhim managed to score in the 10th minute, but India continued to dominate. Captain Diya scored twice in the 13th and 16th minutes, with Shruti Kumari also adding a goal in the 16th minute. Nousheen Naz capped off the scoring in the 20th minute, leading to an emphatic 8-1 victory.

Awards and World Cup Qualification

In recognition of their exceptional performance, Hockey India announced a cash reward of Rs 1 lakh for each player of the Indian Women's Hockey Team and Rs 50,000 for each support staff member. Additionally, India's impressive showing in Muscat has secured their qualification for the FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup, marking a significant achievement for the young team on the international stage.