MOQI, SEP 6 (IANS): India’s junior hockey teams produced contrasting performances at the AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026, with the women’s side thrashing Malaysia 11-1 to strengthen their lead in the Elite Pool, while the men’s team fought back to earn a dramatic 3-3 draw against Japan in Pool A.
Women dominate Malaysia with 11-goal show
India’s junior women, defending champions, recorded their second consecutive victory after defeating South Korea 4-1 in their opener. Against Malaysia, they delivered a commanding attacking display, with seven players finding the scoresheet.
India struck early, with Puja Sahoo converting a penalty stroke in the first minute. Goals from Purnima Yadav, Binima Dhan, and Krishna Sharma quickly followed, giving India a 4-0 lead inside 14 minutes. Purnima added her second from a penalty corner in the 17th minute, while Sukhveer Kaur and Geeta Yadav extended the advantage before halftime.
Malaysia managed a consolation through Nur Mohd in the 38th minute, but India responded instantly. Puja completed her brace with another penalty stroke, followed by Sanika Chandrakant Mane’s strike. Geeta and Sanika added late goals to seal an emphatic 11-1 win.
India’s goals came from a balanced mix: four field strikes, five penalty corners, and two penalty strokes. With six points from two matches, India lead the Elite Pool, ahead of China and Japan on three points each. South Korea and Malaysia remain winless. India next face Japan on September 8.
Junior men rally to draw with Japan
India’s junior men showed resilience to secure a 3-3 draw against Japan in their second Pool A fixture. Coming off a 14-0 rout of Indonesia, India started strongly with Anmol Ekka converting a penalty stroke in the fourth minute. Ashu Maurya doubled the lead via a penalty corner in the 10th minute.
Japan responded immediately through Ryushin Sasaki, narrowing the gap to 2-1. The second and third quarters saw both sides battle evenly, with India holding their slender lead.
The final quarter brought drama as Japan captain Kazuki Nakanishi converted two penalty corners in the 48th and 59th minutes to put his side ahead 3-2. India, desperate for an equaliser, removed their goalkeeper and pressed forward. Their persistence paid off when Anmol converted another penalty corner with just 59 seconds left, ensuring a 3-3 draw.
India now have four points from two matches and will face South Korea next in their third Pool A encounter.
Saturday, September 12, 2026