India's Junior Women's Team Dominates Malaysia in AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026
India's Impressive Victory Over Malaysia
Moqi [China], September 6: The junior women's hockey team from India showcased their dominance in the AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026, securing a remarkable 11-1 win against Malaysia during their second Elite Pool match on Sunday.
As the defending champions and two-time winners, India built on their initial 4-1 victory against South Korea, displaying a more confident and cohesive performance. A total of seven players contributed to the scoreline, highlighting India's improved teamwork with goals coming from various sources: four from field play, five from penalty corners, and two from penalty strokes.
After overcoming initial jitters in their first match, the Indian team appeared increasingly assured and coordinated. Their attacking strategies were sharper, and their execution of penalty corners remained a significant asset.
India wasted no time in establishing their dominance, with Puja Sahoo scoring from a penalty stroke just one minute into the game. This early goal set a positive tone, and Purnima Yadav quickly doubled the lead in the fourth minute.
The pressure continued to mount as Binima Dhan converted a penalty corner in the eighth minute, followed by Krishna Sharma adding another goal in the 14th minute.
In the second quarter, Purnima completed her brace in the 17th minute with another penalty corner goal. Before halftime, Sukhveer Kaur and Geeta Yadav also found the net, both scoring from penalty corners, leading to a commanding 7-0 lead at the break.
Malaysia managed to score their only goal in the 38th minute through Nur Mohd, but it did little to affect India's momentum.
India was awarded another penalty stroke in the 42nd minute, which Puja converted to secure her second goal. Sanika Chandrakant Mane then scored in the 43rd minute, extending the lead to 9-1 as they entered the final quarter.
India maintained their relentless approach, with Geeta scoring her second from a penalty corner in the 53rd minute, followed by Sanika's second goal in the 58th minute, concluding the match at 11-1.
This victory marks India's second win in as many matches, earning them six points and placing them at the top of the Elite Pool standings. China and Japan follow in second and third place, each with three points, while South Korea and Malaysia sit in fourth and fifth after two losses.
India will take a rest day on Monday before facing Japan in their next pool-stage match on September 8.