The junior Indian women's hockey team beat South Korea 2-1 in the final to win the Women's Junior Asia Cup 2023 at Kakamigahara, Gifu Prefecture in Japan.
This was the first time in history that the Indian junior team won the Women's Junior Asia Cup.
India dominated proceedings right from the beginning and won an early penalty corner but they failed to convert that. They then finally broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute when Annu calmly converted a penalty stroke.
Victory hour at Women's Junior #AsiaCup2023 🥳
— SAI Media (@Media_SAI) June 11, 2023
The 🇮🇳 Junior Women's 🏑Team scripts history by claiming their 1⃣st ever #AsiaCup 🏆 as they defeat 🇰🇷 2-1 in the FINAL 🥳
The Incredible Women's Team consists of 17 #KheloIndia & #NCOE Athletes
Well done GIRLS!🥳👏 pic.twitter.com/6CVgVGD7Ra
India's lead did not last long though as Korea came back strongly in the 25th-minute courtesy of Seoyeon Park's equaliser.
Korea started the second half in a more dominant fashion while the Indians mostly focused on counter-attacks. Their tactics paid off as Neelam converted a penalty corner in the 41st minute to restore their lead. The goal turned out to be the Championship-winning strike as India successfully held on to their lead for the remainder of the game.
Congratulating the team for winning their maiden Asia Cup title, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey said,
We are filled with immense 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 determination has been truly promising. This triumph has solidified their status as a dominant force in the field, and I firmly believe it will serve as a strong foundation for their upcoming challenge at the Junior World Cup later this year. To recognize their outstanding achievement, Hockey India has decided to honor the players with a well-deserved cash award. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the team and the dedicated support staff for their unwavering efforts in bringing glory to our nation.
To reward their performances in Japan, the Hockey India Executive Board announced cash prizes of INR 2 Lakh each for players and INR 1 Lakh each for the support staff.
MORE: Latest sports betting and odds
