Indian Junior Women's Hockey Team secured a narrow 1-0 victory over hosts Japan on Saturday in a thrilling semi-final clash in the Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 in Kakamigahara, Gifu Prefecture.
Sunelita Toppo (47') was the lone goal-scorer in the fiercely contested match. This triumph propels the Indian team into the final of the prestigious tournament for the second time, with their previous appearance in the summit clash dating back to 2012.
By reaching the final of the Women's Junior Asia Cup 2023, India has also earned qualification for the FIH Junior Hockey Women's World Cup 2023, scheduled to take place in Santiago, Chile, from November 29 to December 10, 2023. The top three teams from the Women's Junior Asia Cup will directly qualify the Junior World Cup.
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India were aggressive in their approach from the beginning, exerting pressure on Japan's defence and maintaining a high press. Despite their relentless onslaught, Japan held their ground firmly, preventing India from taking an early lead while trying to score on the counter attack.
The intensity carried over into the second quarter, as both teams threw caution into the wind in search of a breakthrough. Japan came close to scoring on a few occasions, but India's goalkeeper, Madhuri Kindo, made outstanding saves to keep the scoreline unchanged going into halftime.
Japan continued to maintain possession and launched more attacks to keep India on the back foot in the third quarter as well. However, India got a golden opportunity to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty stroke but failed to convert.
India made a strong comeback in the final quarter as they seized control in midfield. Finally, their efforts paid off when Toppo (47') struck a superb field goal to give India a crucial 1-0 advantage. With the nose in front, India focused on maintaining possession and defended in numbers while chasing to keep their lead intact and secure a memorable victory.
India will now prepare for the final of the Women's Junior Asia Cup 2023, where they will face the winners between China and Korea on June 11 at 14:30 hrs IST.
Where can you watch the Women's Junior Asia Cup 2023 final?
Fans can watch Women's Junior Asia Cup 2023 matches on Watch.Hockey for free.