India beat Korea 3-1 to stay unbeaten at Women's U18 Asia Cup
Synopsis
India's under-18 women's hockey team brushed aside Korea 3-1 in Kakamigahara to make it two wins from two in Pool A of the Women's U18 Asia Cup. Kiran Ekka's match-winning penalty corner and Player of the Match award signal a squad with both finishing quality and composure under pressure — with Singapore next on 2 June.
Key Takeaways
India defeated Korea 3-1 in their second Pool A match of the Women's U18 Asia Cup in Kakamigahara on Sunday .
Goals scored by Nousheen Naz (4'), Shruti Kumari (21'), and Kiran Ekka (43').
Gyeongmin Ryu scored Korea's only goal in the 41st minute .
Kiran Ekka was named Player of the Match after converting a decisive penalty corner.
India lead Pool A with 6 points from 2 matches; they face Singapore on 2 June .
India's women's under-18 hockey team recorded a commanding 3-1 victory over Korea in their second Pool A fixture of the Women's U18 Asia Cup in Kakamigahara on Sunday, 1 June 2025, maintaining a perfect start to the tournament. Goals from Nousheen Naz, Shruti Kumari, and Kiran Ekka powered the win, following India's opening-day victory over Malaysia.
How the Goals Came
India seized the initiative early, earning a penalty stroke in the first quarter. Nousheen Naz stepped up in the 4th minute and converted calmly to give India a 1-0 lead. The team sustained their dominance into the second quarter, with Shruti Kumari adding a well-taken field goal in the 21st minute to stretch the advantage to 2-0 at half-time.
Korea's Brief Comeback and India's Response
Korea reduced the deficit in the third quarter when Gyeongmin Ryu scored in the 41st minute to make it 2-1. India responded almost immediately. Kiran Ekka converted a penalty corner in the 43rd minute to restore the two-goal cushion at 3-1, effectively settling the contest. Ekka was subsequently named Player of the Match for her decisive contribution.
Disciplined Finish
India held firm through the final quarter, conceding no further goals and restricting Korea's attacking threat. India earned four penalty corners and one penalty stroke across the match, while Korea were awarded two penalty corners. The controlled defensive display underlined India's growing maturity in the competition.
Pool A Standings and What's Next
With back-to-back wins over Malaysia and Korea, India top Pool A with six points from two matches. Their final pool-stage fixture is against Singapore on 2 June. A win or draw would confirm their unbeaten group-stage run and bolster their knockout prospects. This is India's second consecutive strong showing at this level, continuing a pattern of competitive performances in junior Asian hockey.
Point of View
A clean defensive record in the final quarter, and a Player of the Match performance from Kiran Ekka — India's junior women's hockey team is doing more than just winning; they are winning with structure. The quick response to Korea's 41st-minute goal, with Ekka converting within two minutes, suggests a side that does not let momentum slip, a trait that often separates pool-stage winners from knockout contenders. The real test will come after the group stage, but the signs from Kakamigahara are encouraging for Indian junior hockey.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of India vs Korea at the Women's U18 Asia Cup?
India beat Korea 3-1 in their second Pool A match of the Women's U18 Asia Cup in Kakamigahara on Sunday. Goals from Nousheen Naz, Shruti Kumari, and Kiran Ekka secured the win.
Who scored for India against Korea in the U18 Asia Cup?
Nousheen Naz scored in the 4th minute via a penalty stroke, Shruti Kumari added a field goal in the 21st minute, and Kiran Ekka converted a penalty corner in the 43rd minute. Kiran Ekka was also named Player of the Match.
Where does India stand in Pool A of the Women's U18 Asia Cup?
India top Pool A with six points after two wins — over Malaysia and Korea. They play their final pool fixture against Singapore on 2 June.
Who scored for Korea against India?
Gyeongmin Ryu scored Korea's only goal in the 41st minute of the third quarter, briefly reducing the deficit to 2-1 before India restored their two-goal lead.
When is India's next match at the Women's U18 Asia Cup?
India face Singapore on 2 June in their final Pool A fixture. A positive result would secure an unbeaten group-stage record heading into the knockout rounds.
