India hold China to seal top spot, set up Pakistan quarterfinal

By Asia Samachar  | Hockey |

India followed up their emphatic 11-1 thrashing of Malaysia with a hard-fought goalless draw against hosts China on Wednesday to finish top of the Elite Pool and set up a quarterfinal showdown with Pakistan at the Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2026 in Moqi, China.

The draw left both India and China on 10 points from four matches, but India claimed first place on superior goal difference after completing the pool stage unbeaten with three wins and a draw.

China made the brighter start and had the best chance of the opening quarter when they were awarded a penalty stroke. Indian goalkeeper Nidhi produced a crucial save to keep the scores level.

India gradually settled into the contest and created pressure of their own, earning penalty corners late in the second quarter, but China’s defence held firm. Both teams continued to trade attacks after the break, with India’s compact defence repeatedly denying the hosts from penalty-corner situations. Neither side could find a breakthrough in the final quarter as the contest ended 0-0.

India will face Pakistan in the quarterfinals on September 10. Pakistan finished third in the Challenger Pool with seven points from four matches, setting up a high-profile knockout clash between the two arch-rivals.

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