New Delhi. Indian junior women’s hockey team has created history. The team has won the Asia Cup title for the first time. The women’s team defeated 4-time champion South Korea 2-1 on Sunday in the final match of the Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 played in Kakamigahara, Japan. Annu (22nd minute) and Neelam (41st minute) scored for India. On the other hand, Zion Park (25th minute) scored the only goal for the opposition team. With this, the Indian team confirmed its place in the FIH Women’s Junior World Cup 2023 to be played in Chile.
Talking about the final match, there was no goal in the first 20 minutes of the game. India’s Annu scored a goal in the 22nd minute to give the team a 1-0 lead. However, the lead of the Indian team did not last long. In the 25th minute, Seon Park equalized the score for Korea at 1-1.
In the second half, Neelam scored a goal in the 41st minute to give India a 2-1 lead. At the end of the game, India was leading 2-1 and won the match. With this, the women’s team became the Asia champions. This is the 8th season of the tournament. India is the third country to win the title. South Korea has won the tournament 4 times, China 3 times. This time the tournament was played from June 3 to 11.
Announcement of awards to players
On winning the Asia Cup, the Hockey India Executive Board announced a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh for each player. While the support staff will get one lakh rupees as a token of appreciation. Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey congratulated the Indian junior women’s team for their stupendous achievement.
In a statement, Tirkey said that we are filled with immense pride. The Indian junior women’s team has won its first Junior Asia Cup. His extraordinary display of talent and determination has been really promising. This victory has strengthened his position. I am sure this will serve as a strong foundation for their upcoming challenge at the Junior World Cup later this year.
He said that to recognize their outstanding achievement, Hockey India has decided to award cash prizes to the players. I heartily congratulate the team and the dedicated support staff for their untiring efforts in bringing laurels to the nation.
Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh extended his best wishes to the team. He said in his statement that the team consistently performed remarkably well in each match. The team’s continuous victories in the Junior Asia Cup shows that the future of hockey in India is in safe hands. My heartiest congratulations to the team and the dedicated support staff for their untiring efforts in helping the Indian team win its first ever Women’s Junior Asia Cup.
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