Hockey
Women's Junior Asia Cup 2024: China hands India its first defeat
With a 2-1 defeat of India, China secured its semi-final spot.
Deepika scored the solitary goal for India. (Photo Credit: Hockey India)
China got the better of India 2-1 in a hard-fought match at the Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2024 at the Hockey Oman Stadium in Muscat, Oman, on Wednesday.
China’s Captain Tan Jinzhuang and Lihang Wang scored while Deepika found the back of the net for India.
The first two quarters were tightly contested, with both teams focusing on defense.
India, meanwhile, had several chances but couldn’t find the target.
The match remained scoreless at halftime, with both teams unable to break through each other's defenses.
In the third quarter, China switched gears to take control of the game.
Xueling Zeng of China made a strong run down the left wing and earned a penalty stroke after being fouled by India’s goalkeeper Nidhi.
Tan stepped up to take the stroke and scored, giving China the lead.
Soon after, Lihang Wang scored from a penalty corner, extending China’s advantage to 2-0.
India, however, did fight back in the final quarter.
Deepika, a lone warrior for much of the game scored after a perfect pass from Kanika Siwach, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
However, India couldn’t find the equalizer and the game ended with China securing the win. Despite repeated efforts in the final moments of the game, India were unable to equalize and China emerged victorious in this closely contested match.
With this victory, China confirmed their spot in the semi-finals as the winners of Pool A.
Deepika’s goal was her seventh of the tournament and she continues to be the top scorer.
