By Asia Samachar | India |
India wrapped up their Pool C fixtures at the FIH Junior Women’s World Cup 2025 with a commanding 4-0 victory over Ireland in Santiago, Chile, on Friday.
India ended up second in Pool C after Germany. India beat Namibia 31-0 and lost go German 1-3.
Malaysia ended bottom in Pool A after losing all their matches: Japan (1-4), China (0-1) and the Netherlands (0-13).
For India, the latest result, reported by Hockey India, underscored the team’s growing confidence as they head into the knockout rounds.
Kanika Siwach opened the scoring in the 12th minute after a sustained spell of early pressure, finishing coolly after receiving a well-timed pass from Sakshi Rana. India had earlier earned two quick Penalty Corners but failed to convert, a recurring pattern through the first half despite their dominance. Ireland’s goalkeeper Lucy McGoldrick kept her team in the contest with sharp saves in the 17th and 23rd minutes, limiting India to a slender 1-0 lead at halftime.
The breakthrough for a more comfortable cushion came in the 42nd minute. Off another Penalty Corner, Sakshi Shukla sent a precise ball to Purnima Yadav, who deflected it cleanly into the net for India’s second.
Ireland attempted a late push in the fourth quarter, with Eabha Curran coming close, only to be denied by a crucial block from defender Nandini.
India sealed the match with two quick goals in the closing minutes. Rana dazzled with 3D skills down the left before firing home in the 57th minute, while Yadav added her second a minute later with a composed deflection.
The 4-0 win, as noted by Hockey India, reflects India’s strong form as the tournament enters its decisive stages.
RELATED STORY:
Former Indian captain Rani Rampal retires from competitive hockey (Asia Samachar, 24 Oct 2024)
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. You can leave your comments at our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We will delete comments we deem offensive or potentially libelous. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
