The Indian women's hockey team won the bronze medal at the Women's U18 Asia Cup after a commanding 3-0 victory over Korea in the third-place match held in Kakamigahara, Japan on Saturday.
Match Highlights
Determined to bounce back from a narrow shootout defeat against China in the semifinals, India made a dream start. Sandeepa Kumari showcased excellent composure in the second minute, producing a brilliant finish to give India the early breakthrough and set the tone for the contest.
India continued to dominate possession and create opportunities in the attacking circle. Their persistence paid off in the 16th minute when captain Sweety Kujur found the back of the net with a field goal, doubling India's advantage heading into the second quarter.
Second Half Dominance
With a comfortable two-goal cushion, India maintained control after the break. In the 33rd minute, the tournament's top scorer, Nousheen Naz, added her name to the scoresheet with a clinical field goal, taking her tally to 12 goals in the competition and strengthening her position at the top of the scoring charts.
India remained disciplined at the back throughout the contest, denying Korea any clear scoring opportunities while continuing to threaten on the counterattack. The defensive unit held firm to preserve the clean sheet as India comfortably saw out the remainder of the match to secure the bronze medal.
For her influential performance and opening goal, Sandeepa Kumari was adjudged the Player of the Match.
