India beats Korea 2-1 to lift maiden Women Junior Asia Cup
In a remarkable display of talent and determination, the Indian women’s hockey team emerged victorious in the final of the Women’s Junior Asia Cup, defeating South Korea with a scoreline of 2-1. The triumph not only secured the team a coveted spot in the FIH Women’s Junior World Cup 2023 in Chile but also earned them accolades and a generous cash prize from Hockey India. This article delves into the details of their extraordinary achievement and the commendations they received.
In recognition of their outstanding performance and unbeaten streak throughout the tournament, Hockey India has announced a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh for each player, while the support staff will be rewarded with Rs 1 lakh each as a token of appreciation. This generous gesture reflects the organization’s acknowledgment of the team’s exceptional talent and their dedication to bringing glory to the nation.
Hockey India President, Dilip Tirkey, praised the Indian team for their historic accomplishment and expressed his immense pride. He stated, “We are filled with pride as the Indian Junior Women’s team clinched their maiden Junior Asia Cup, leaving us all in awe. Their exceptional display of talent and unwavering determination has been truly promising. This triumph solidifies their status as a dominant force in the field, laying a strong foundation for their upcoming challenge at the Junior World Cup later this year. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the team and the dedicated support staff for their unwavering efforts in bringing glory to our nation.”
Furthermore, Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh conveyed his heartfelt wishes to the team for their triumphant campaign and commended their exceptional character and sportsmanship displayed in every match. The team’s commitment to fair play and spirited performances has earned them well-deserved admiration from the hockey community. Also Read : Now I know I can win big titles says French Open finalist Muchova
The Thrilling Match:
The final between India and South Korea showcased a riveting contest, with both teams displaying remarkable skill and determination. After a goalless first quarter, India took the lead as Annu converted a penalty stroke after Mumtaz Khan’s deflection struck a Korean defender. However, Korea swiftly fought back, equalizing through a brilliant finish by Park Seoyeon, resulting in a 1-1 scoreline at halftime.
The third quarter witnessed India regaining the lead as Neelam found the net again, sending waves of jubilation through the Indian camp. The team’s solid defense, led by goalkeeper Madhuri Kindo, thwarted Korea’s attempts and successfully defended eight penalty corners.
Displaying a strategic approach in the final quarter, India focused on maintaining possession and controlling the tempo of the game to protect their lead. On the other hand, Korea, in their desperate pursuit of an equalizer, succumbed to forced errors and misdirected passes. India’s resilience and adherence to their game plan ultimately led to a well-deserved victory, with the final score ending in their favor at 2-1.
Captain’s Words:
Reflecting on the intense final, Indian captain Preeti shared her thoughts, stating, “Following a 1-1 draw in the round-robin stage, we were fully aware of the areas where we needed to excel in order to overcome Korea. The final match brought about a considerable amount of nervousness. However, as a team, we knew that to achieve something special, we had to deliver our best performance, and that’s exactly what we did. We are elated to have made our nation proud.”
Conclusion:
The Indian women’s hockey team’s triumph in the Women’s Junior Asia Cup is a testament to their talent, determination, and teamwork. Their remarkable journey, marked by exceptional
