New Delhi: The Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team retained their continental crown after defeating hosts China 1-0 in a closely fought final of the AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026 on Sunday, completing a hat-trick of Women’s Junior Asia Cup titles.
Sanika Chandrakant Mane scored the decisive goal in the 17th minute as India held on to secure the title and qualify for the FIH Junior Women’s World Cup.
In recognition of the achievement, Hockey India announced prize money of Rs 3 lakh for each player and Rs 1.5 lakh for each member of the support staff.
The final began cautiously, with both teams showing signs of nervousness in the opening exchanges. China enjoyed greater possession and looked to put India under pressure, but the defending champions remained composed and disciplined in defence.
Despite China’s territorial advantage, India’s defensive organisation prevented the hosts from creating a clear-cut opportunity, with the first quarter ending goalless.
India then capitalised on their opportunity early in the second quarter. Two minutes into the quarter, Mane showed excellent awareness and intelligent off-the-ball movement to get behind a Chinese defender and position herself five metres from the goal.
She connected with a long slap-push played into the Chinese circle and produced a deft deflection that beat goalkeeper Xu Mengjiao to give India the lead.
China came closest to finding an equaliser after earning the only penalty corner of the match. However, their direct attempt was ruled out after the ball entered the goal above the permitted height of the backboard.
India came close to doubling their advantage two minutes before half-time when captain Khaidem Shileima Chanu got a shot on target, but the Chinese goalkeeper reacted sharply to palm the effort away.
China resumed the second half with renewed intent and came close to scoring seven minutes into the third quarter. A well-worked move saw a Chinese attacker overlap from the baseline before sending a dangerous minus pass into the area in front of goal.
India’s defence, however, read the situation perfectly and intercepted the pass before it could reach its intended target.
The final quarter saw India produce a disciplined defensive display. The defending champions remained compact and alert around their circle, denying China the space needed to create clear scoring opportunities.
India held firm through the closing stages to secure a memorable 1-0 victory and lift the trophy.
India finished the tournament unbeaten. After topping the Elite Pool with three wins and a draw, India defeated South Korea 5-1 in the semi-finals before overcoming China 1-0 in the final to successfully defend their title and become three-time champions.
