India complete junior Asia Cup hockey hat-trick; qualify for World Cup

MOQI (CHINA): (Sep 13) Sanika Chandrakant Mane’s early strike proved decisive as India qualified for the junior women’s hockey World Cup by winning the AHF Junior Asia Cup title for the third time in a row after defeating China 1-0 in a closely fought summit clash, here Sunday.

Sanika struck in the 17th minute as the defending champions retained their continental crown.

The title clash began with nervous energy on both sides, with neither team able to establish control in the early exchanges. China enjoyed greater possession and looked to put India under pressure, but the defending champions remained composed, soaking up the pressure and working hard to negotiate the opening phase without conceding.