New Delhi: Japan also reserved the seat for final in 6th Asian Women’s Youth Handball Championship. They defeated their close rival China by a margin of 23-22. Japan took the lead in first half and score was 13-09 and they maintained the lead till the end, both the teams fought for each and every point throughout the contest. The match, however, boiled down to last 60 seconds, with Japan taking one point advantage (23-22). China took time-out, but it didn't change the complexion of the game. Japan sustained its lead to win passage into the final to set up title clash with Korea. Arisa Kinjo made the 6 goals from Japan.

Meanwhile, defending champions South Korea dominated the first semifinals, scoring 35-18 win over Kazakhstan to march into the final of the tournament. Speedy Koreans were no match of Kazakhstan who weren't able to cover the court at a fast pace to earn points on a counter-attack.In the half time, margin was less and just of 17-12 but Koreans didn’t turn back and they continue their attack and in the result they won the match easily.

Hosts India narrowly missed chance to win berth for the world qualifying round as they lost a nail-bitting contest to Uzbekistan in the Sixth Asian Women’s Youth Handball Championships being played here at the IG Indoor Stadium. Despite giving their best India lost 22-24 to Uzbekistan in the qualification match of the continental event for fifth place. Top five in the tournament will get a passage into the global meet.

India started the contest on a brisk pace, matching their rivals but it wasn't their day. India trailed by a narrow margin of two points at the break (9-11). The home team fought bravely in the second session too. At one point of time they were on the verge of defeating Uzbekistan, but opponent got the upper hand and were able to maintain the lead till the final whistle.

Results

1. India 22 (Babita 5, Jyoti 5) lost to Ubekistan 24 (Maftunakhon Vosiljonova 7, Sevara Razakbergenova 6).
2. Korea 35 (Sora Kim 8, Hyesoo Song 4, Jiwon Park 4) bt Kazakhstan (Tansholpan Jumadilova 6, Kamila Serikbayeva 5)
3. Japan 23 (Arisa Kinjo 6, Miori Nishimura 5) bt China 22 (Yin Yang 6, Yang Feng 4, Yang Yang 4, Chan Liu 4).