Hockey / India Women Rout Japan 7–0, Enter Junior Asia Cup Quarter-Finals

Moqi, Sep 8: The Indian junior women’s hockey team stormed into the quarter-finals of the 2026 Junior Asia Cup with a resounding 7–0 victory over Japan in their third Elite Pool clash on Tuesday.

The win extended India’s unbeaten run in the tournament and cemented their position at the top of the group with nine points from three matches.

India, who had earlier defeated Korea 4–1 and Malaysia 11–1, carried their attacking momentum into the contest against Japan, taking control from the opening whistle. Krishna Sharma opened the scoring in the fifth minute, before Supriya converted a penalty stroke in the ninth to double the lead.

Purnima Yadav added a third in the 14th minute, giving India a commanding 3–0 cushion at the end of the first quarter.

Japan attempted to regroup in the second quarter, showing greater attacking intent, but India’s defence held firm to preserve their advantage at half-time.

The third quarter saw India shift gears once again, striking three times in quick succession. Geeta Yadav netted in the 41st and 45th minutes to complete her brace, while Purnima Yadav added her second in the 46th minute to make it 6–0.

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India’s relentless attack continued into the final quarter, with Sanika Chandrakant Mane scoring in the 50th minute to seal the emphatic 7–0 triumph.

With three consecutive wins, India now lead the Elite Pool and have secured their place in the quarter-finals. Their final pool match against China on Wednesday will decide the top spot in the group, with China currently on six points from two matches.

(With inputs from IANS)