India retain Junior Women’s Hockey Asia Cup title for third straight time, qualify for World Cup

New Delhi: India’s junior women’s hockey team retained the AHF Junior Asia Cup title for the third consecutive time, securing qualification for the upcoming Junior Hockey World Cup after an unbeaten campaign.

India sealed the title with a narrow 1-0 victory over China, with Sanika Chandrakant Mane scoring the decisive goal in the 17th minute.

The Indian side remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, combining a disciplined defensive display with consistent performances to emerge as champions once again.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team on retaining the Asia Cup, praising the players for their talent and determination.

“A proud moment for Indian hockey! Congratulations to our Junior Women’s Hockey Team on retaining the Asia Cup with a superb unbeaten campaign,” Modi said in a post on X.

“Their success reflects the talent and determination of the players. Best wishes to the entire team!” he added.

World Cup qualification secured

The continental triumph also earned India a place in the upcoming Junior Hockey World Cup, giving the young squad an opportunity to compete against the world’s leading teams.

The latest Asia Cup success further underlines the strength of India’s junior women’s hockey programme. The team’s unbeaten run, coupled with its defensive resilience, provided the foundation for its third straight continental title.

With the Asia Cup crown secured and World Cup qualification confirmed, the Indian junior women’s team will now turn its focus towards the global stage, carrying the confidence of another successful continental campaign.