In the Women’s Junior Asia Cup final held here on Sunday, the Indian hockey team defeated China 3-2 in a penalty shootout to win the championship for the second consecutive year. China pushed the reigning champions to the edge, thus India’s second straight tournament victory was not an easy one.

Following a 1-1 draw in regulation time, the defending champion emerged victorious in a shootout to win the title. On this occasion, Hockey India (HI) revealed the team’s monetary incentive.

“Team India secured an epic victory over China in the Junior Women’s Asia Cup 2024 Final, winning a thrilling penalty shootout. As a reward for their outstanding performance, Hockey India announces a cash prize of Rs2 lakhs for each player and Rs1 lakh for the support staff,” the HI wrote on X.

China’s first goal was scored by Jinzhuang Tan (30′), but India’s equalizer, Kanika Siwach (41′), forced a penalty shootout in the third quarter. In the penalty shootout, India’s goalie Nidhi made three vital saves to help her team win the championship.

In the first quarter, both teams were vying for the same goal, stride for stride. Both teams created fantastic opportunities and shared possession, but they were unable to break the impasse. India was given two penalty corners, but the Chinese successfully defended them to preserve the score tied.

India dominated play to start the second quarter, but they were unable to generate a good scoring opportunity in the shooting circle. China exerted pressure on the Indian backline as the second quarter came to a close. China was presented with a fantastic opportunity in the form of a penalty stroke with just 14 seconds remaining. China had a small advantage going into the second half when Jinzhuang Tan took the penalty kick and scored past the Indian goalkeeper.

India dominated the game and launched an aggressive attack in the third quarter. Deepika secured a penalty corner for her team after breaking through the Chinese defense with a strong dribble. Deepika tried a drag flick at goal, but the Chinese goalie made a series of saves. In the 41st minute, Kanika Siwach scored a stunning field goal to tie the score after Sunelita Toppo and Deepika advanced the ball with some shrewd passes and found her within the shooting circle. Both teams went into the fourth quarter with a 1-1 record.

The last fifteen minutes of the game were crucial as both teams fought tooth and nail to score a victory. With 10 minutes remaining in the game, India was awarded a penalty corner, but Deepika’s attempt sailed just wide. In the penalty shootout, India’s goals came from Sakshi Rana, Ishika, and Sunelita Toppo. India successfully defended its title thanks to three outstanding saves from goalie Nidhi against Lihang Wang, Jingyi Li, and Dandan Zuo.

After the junior India women’s hockey team won the Asia Cup in Muscat, Oman, for the second consecutive year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has been a strong supporter of Indian sports during his reign, took the time to thank them. The match ended evenly at 1-1 after ordinary time, but India won 3-2 in the penalty shootout.

“Congratulations to the Indian junior women’s hockey team for winning the Asia Cup title. The team showed immense grit and determination. This success also shows the increasing passion towards Hockey, especially among the youth. My best wishes to the team for their future endeavours,” Prime Minister wrote on X.

In recognition of everyone’s hard work and championship victory, Hockey India offered an award of Rs 2 lakh for each player and Rs 1 lakh for each support staff member.