Picture Credit: Twitter
In an exciting final on Sunday, the junior Indian women's hockey team defeated South Korea 2-1 to win the Women's Junior Asia Cup in Kakamigahara, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. India had never previously won the Women's Junior Asia Cup championship and had qualified for the World Cup in Santiago, Chile in November-December by winning the semi-final. For the winning side, Annu and Neelam scored the goals to seal a historic title win against South Korea.
After this historic win, Hockey India announced a cash reward of INR 2 Lakh for each player and INR 1 Lakh for each member of the support staff in recognition of India's first victory in the continental championship and for qualifying for the World Cup.
India took the lead against the flow of play as a result of Annu's cool conversion of a penalty shot in the 22nd minute. That lead, though, didn't last very long as Seoyeon Park (25') equalised for Korea four minutes later with a shot from inside the D. To retake the lead for India, Neelam skillfully converted a penalty corner in the 41st minute. In the end, India remained steadfast in defence to finish the game.
Hockey India’s President Dilip Tirkey showered immense praise on the young girls and said, “We are filled with immense pride as the Indian team clinched their maiden Women’s Junior Asia Cup, leaving us all in awe. Their exceptional display of talent and determination has been truly promising.”
