Moqi, China, September 5, 2026: India began their Women’s Junior Asia Cup China 2026 title defence with a 4-1 win over South Korea in their opening match in Moqi on Saturday, collecting three points from a controlled all-round performance.
Sanika Chandrakant Mane, Purnima Yadav, Puja Sahoo and Madhu Sidar scored for India, who have won the last two editions of the Women’s Junior Asia Cup. KIL Gabin pulled one back for South Korea late in the match.
Sanika gives India an early lead
India started brightly and created several chances in the opening quarter. Sanika broke the deadlock in the eighth minute to put the defending champions 1-0 ahead.
India kept the pressure on South Korea and earned two penalty corners in the first quarter, including one in the 14th minute, but failed to convert either chance.
The Indian side continued to attack after the first break and won another penalty corner within five minutes. A re-take followed the initial attempt, but South Korea kept India out.
South Korea then pushed for an equaliser and earned back-to-back penalty corners within a five-minute spell. India’s defence held firm and denied them a way through.
Purnima doubles advantage before half-time
India regained control late in the second quarter and won another penalty corner. This time, a well-worked variation ended with Purnima finding the net in the 30th minute to make it 2-0 at half-time.
South Korea came out with greater intent in the third quarter, but India remained organised at the back while continuing to threaten on the counter.
India struck again in the closing stages of the quarter. Puja converted another penalty corner to extend the lead to 3-0.
Madhu seals 4-1 win
India continued to press in the final quarter and won another penalty corner seven minutes in, but the Korean defence cleared the danger. South Korea also dealt with another Indian penalty corner as India continued to control possession and territory.
The pressure eventually told in the 51st minute when Madhu scored India’s fourth goal to make it 4-0.
South Korea kept fighting and pulled one back in the 57th minute. Following another penalty corner, a variation ended with KIL Gabin finding the net.
India saw out the closing minutes to complete a 4-1 victory and make a winning start to their campaign.
The Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team will next face Malaysia on September 6, 2026, in their second match of the Women’s Junior Asia Cup China 2026.
