Moqi , The Indian junior women’s hockey team continued their dominant run at the Asia Cup, cruising to a commanding 7-0 victory over Japan in their third elite pool match to secure a place in the quarterfinals here on Tuesday.
India’s early pressure was rewarded in the fifth minute when Krishna Sharma found the back of the net for a 1-0 lead. Supriya stepped up and made no mistake from the spot to put India 2-0 ahead. Purnima Yadav scored a field goal in the 14th minute as India finished the first quarter with a commanding 3-0 lead. However, neither side was able to add to the scoreline, and India went into the half-time break with a comfortable 3-0 lead. Geeta Yadav smashed a field goal in the 41st minute to make it 4-0 before completing her brace in the 45th minute, further strengthening India’s commanding position. Purnima found the back of the net in the 46th minute to complete her brace and take the lead to 6-0 at the end of the third quarter. The Indian side maintained its attacking intent in the final quarter and was rewarded once again in the 50th minute when Sanika Chandrakant Mane scored to make it 7-0.
India doubled their advantage in the ninth minute after a foul by a Japanese defender inside the circle resulted in a penalty stroke. Japan came out with greater attacking intent in the second quarter as they looked to find a way back into the contest, while India continued to search for opportunities to extend their advantage. Japan began the third quarter with renewed attacking intent, looking to register their first goal of the match. However, the Indian defence remained resolute and effectively nullified Japan’s attempts. India added another goal just a minute later.
India continued to dominate proceedings and added a third goal just before the end of the opening quarter.
