Unforgettable Triumph

Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team creates history in the Asian Championship; beats four-time champions South Korea to lift the trophy

- MILIND DHAMDHERE

India’s Junior Women’s Hockey team defied all odds and achieved a monumental victory at the Asian Championship, marking a historic milestone. In an exhilarating final, they dethroned four-time champions South Korea, stunning spectators and securing a remarkable title. This triumph serves as a catalyst for India’s pursuit of a podium finish at the upcoming World Junior Championship later this year. In an exclusive interview with Sports Champ Magazine, Preeti, the captain of the Indian team, shared the team’s incredible journey and the dedication behind their success.

Overcoming formidable opponents such as Malaysia and Japan, the team’s sensational opening match against Uzbekistan with a resounding 22-0 victory set the tone for their exceptional campaign. Annu emerged as the leading scorer, capitalising on six goal-scoring opportunities in that match. Fuelled by this momentous win, the team maintained an unbeaten streak throughout the tournament.

"After reaching Japan for this championship, we played a few practice matches with China and Japan. These matches increased our mental toughness for facing any challenges ahead in this tournament," said Preeti.

"Malaysian players are well known for tricky and surprising tactics, but we beat them. The league match against Korea proved to be a valuable learning experience, as it ended in a hard-fought draw with two goals apiece. This match was a learning process for us as Korea was the strong contender for the title," she added.

Undeterred, the team faced the host nation, Japan, in the semi-finals and emerged victorious, showcasing their resilience and determination.