India Advances to Semifinals After 9-0 Victory Against Thailand in Women's Jr Asia Cup
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Muscat (Oman), December 12 (NationPress) India exhibited exceptional performance, overpowering Thailand with a score of 9-0 during their fourth Pool A match at the Women’s Junior Asia Cup on Thursday. This victory propelled India into the semifinals of the tournament and ensured their qualification for the FIH Junior World Cup 2025, scheduled to occur in Chile.
Deepika (28’, 31’, 35’, 55’) was the standout player, netting four goals and currently leads the tournament scoring charts with a total of ten goals. Kanika Siwach (23’, 25’, 40’), Lalrinpuii (27’), and Sakshi Rana (17’) also added to the scoreboard.
India kicked off the match with a strong start, controlling possession and creating several scoring opportunities in the first quarter, although they were unable to convert two penalty corners, leaving the quarter scoreless.
Early in the second quarter, India struck first as Captain Jyoti Singh assisted Vice Captain Sakshi Rana, whose powerful shot from distance hit the back of the net.
In the 23rd minute, India earned their third penalty corner, which Kanika Siwach expertly converted with a drag-flick, extending the lead. Just two minutes later, Kanika Siwach scored again from another penalty corner, bringing the score to 3-0.
The fourth goal followed shortly in the 27th minute with a field goal by Lalrinpuii, and Deepika added the fifth goal in the 28th minute via a penalty corner.
The third quarter commenced with a penalty corner for India, successfully converted by Deepika. She then scored another field goal in the 35th minute, completing her hat-trick.
In the 40th minute, a series of impressive passes in the shooting circle allowed Lalrinpuii to score the eighth goal from close range.
Although Thailand managed to resist several of India’s attacks in the fourth quarter, Deepika maintained her scoring momentum, netting a field goal to conclude the match with a decisive 9-0 victory, advancing India to the semifinals.
India's next challenge will be against Japan in the semifinals on December 14 at 18:00 hours IST, in a bid to secure a place in the grand finale.
