ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
India opens junior women’s playoffs with 3-1 win over Wales
India began the game on the front foot, asserting its supremacy with a penalty corner in the first 30 seconds.
-
Prabhjot Paul Singh - Mon, 08, Dec 2025
- 02:56 EST
- 7
Hockey players. / International Hockey federation
While making amends for its failure to qualify for the quarterfinals, India began the playoffs with an impressive 3-1 victory over Wales in the FIH Hockey World Cup for Junior Women in Santiago on Dec. 7.
India will now face South American challenger Uruguay in its next game on Dec. 9.
A 1-3 loss to Germany in its second pool match sealed the fate of the Indian team, which had started its campaign on a strong note with a 13-0 win over Namibia. India later beat Ireland 4-0, but the two wins were not enough to secure a place in the quarterfinals.
Hina Bano (14’), Sunelita Toppo (24’) and Ishika (31’) scored for India, while Eloise Moat (52’) netted the lone goal for Wales.
ALSO READ: Jr women Hockey World Cup
India began the game on the front foot, asserting its supremacy with a penalty corner in the first 30 seconds. The team carved out opportunities regularly but couldn’t find the opening goal early on. Wales had a chance to take the lead with a penalty stroke but was denied by Nidhi, who made a sharp save to keep the scores level. India eventually broke the deadlock toward the end of the first quarter with a tap-in from Hina Bano after neat work by Sakshi Rana.
Looking to double its advantage, India kept up the pressure with another penalty corner at the start of the second quarter. The team continued to create chances and was rewarded for its persistence when Sunelita Toppo struck from close range after Rana’s initial shot fell her way. With 14 circle penetrations in the first half, India held a deserved 2-0 lead at the break.
India extended its lead to 3-0 early in the second half when Ishika scored after a rebound from the Welsh goalkeeper came her way. Jyoti Singh’s side controlled the tempo, stretching the Welsh defense by playing between the lines and pressing high while staying compact at the back. India continued to push Wales deep into its own half and closed out the third quarter in control.
With the lion’s share of possession, India kept searching for more scoring opportunities in the final quarter. Wales found an opening at the other end, and Eloise Moat pulled one back in the 52nd minute. But it proved only a consolation as India held firm to secure a well-deserved 3-1 win.
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login