Sanika Chandrakant Mane scored the only goal of the match in the 17th minute as India clinched a third successive Junior Asia Cup title and, in the process, secured a berth for next year’s Junior World Cup. KOLKATA: Indian junior women’s team coach Tim White couldn’t have been prouder after his side beat China by a solitary goal in the final of the AHF Junior Asia Cup in Moqi, China, on Sunday.
Thanks to the 1-0 victory, India finished their campaign having conceded just three goals in seven matches. India forwards were equally impressive, scoring 47 goals, including 19 against Pakistan in the quarterfinals. It’s never easy to score 19 goals against any opponent.
That’s probably what makes me the proudest,” White said. “The difference between the Indian and Pakistan programmes was evident when we stepped onto the pitch and we knew we were the stronger team,” he said. More importantly, they did not concede a single field goal throughout the tournament, a statistic that impressed White the most. “We played seven matches and didn’t concede a single field goal throughout the tournament. “We were an extremely solid defensive unit and defended together as a group rather than as individuals. That collective defensive effort is something I’m very happy with. Mane finished as the team’s top scorer with seven goals, but special mention must be made of young drag-flicker Supriya, who scored six times, five of them from penalty corners. he credited his players, most of whom were playing their first international tournament, for sticking to the game plan While White did not attach too much significance to India’s huge win over Pakistan. “But you still have to go out and play good hockey.
India are expected to face Germany in Bengaluru early next year, a valuable opportunity against one of the top teams in world hockey as preparations begin for the 2027 Junior World Cup. White has already begun looking ahead to the team’s next major challenge While celebrating the title.