Moqi [China], September 6 (ANI): India’s junior girls’s group continued their commanding begin to the AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026 in Moqi, China, producing one other emphatic efficiency to register an 11-1 victory over Malaysia of their second Elite Pool match on Sunday.Â
The two-time winners and defending champions constructed on their opening 4-1 win over South Korea, wanting way more settled and warranted. Seven totally different gamers discovered the web, whereas India’s improved coordination was mirrored within the different method of their targets, with 4 coming from subject play, 5 from penalty corners and two from penalty strokes.
Having overcome the preliminary nerves of their event opener, India seemed more and more assured and cohesive. Their attacking actions had been sharper, whereas their penalty-corner execution remained a significant energy.
India wasted no time asserting their authority, opening the scoring within the first minute by way of Puja Sahoo, who transformed a penalty stroke. The early breakthrough instantly set the tone, and India doubled their benefit within the fourth minute when Purnima Yadav discovered the again of the web.
The defending champions continued to pile on the stress, with Binima Dhan changing a penalty nook within the eighth minute earlier than Krishna Sharma added one other within the 14th minute.Â
The second quarter noticed Purnima finishing her brace within the seventeenth minute, once more changing from a penalty nook. Two extra targets got here off Indian sticks earlier than half-time, as Sukhveer Kaur received herself on the scoresheet within the twenty first minute earlier than Geeta Yadav struck within the twenty eighth minute. Both scored off penalty corners. India went into the interval with a 7-0 benefit.
Malaysia lastly discovered a breakthrough within the thirty eighth minute when Nur Mohd scored their solely aim of the competition. However, the comfort strike did little to disrupt India’s momentum.
India had been awarded one other penalty stroke within the forty second minute, and Puja calmly transformed to finish her brace. Sanika Chandrakant Mane then scored within the forty third minute to make it 9-1 heading into the ultimate quarter.
There was no let-up from India within the closing levels. Geeta scored her second aim of the match with one other penalty nook conversion within the 53rd minute, earlier than Sanika scored as soon as once more within the 58th minute to finish the 11-1 rout.
The outcome provides India two wins from two matches and 6 factors, placing them on the high of the standings within the Elite Pool. China and Japan are second and third, respectively, with three factors every after enjoying and profitable one match; aim distinction separates them. South Korea and Malaysia occupy the fourth and fifth spots, respectively, after struggling two defeats every.
India will take pleasure in a relaxation day on Monday earlier than returning to motion in opposition to Japan of their third pool-stage match on September 8. (ANI)