AHF Women's Junior Asia Cup 2026: India thrash Japan 7-0, reach quarters
(Courtesy : Hockey India)
Purnima Yadav and Geeta Yadav both scored braces as India completed a perfect group stage run to book their quarter-final spot.
Catch Every Update, Anytime, Anywhere
The Indian junior women’s hockey team continued their dominant run at the AHF Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2026, cruising to a commanding 7-0 victory over Japan in their third Elite Pool encounter in Moqi, China, on Tuesday.
The emphatic win saw India maintain their perfect record in the tournament and secure their place in the quarter-finals.
Having opened their campaign with a 4-1 win over Korea before registering an 11-1 victory against Malaysia, India carried their attacking momentum into the clash against Japan and took control of proceedings right from the start.
India’s early pressure was rewarded in the fifth minute when Krishna Sharma found the back of the net to give the Indian side a 1-0 lead.
Related: AHF Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2026: Full schedule, fixtures, results and live streaming details
India doubled their advantage in the ninth minute after a foul by a Japanese defender inside the circle resulted in a penalty stroke. Supriya stepped up and made no mistake from the spot to put India 2-0 ahead.
India continued to dominate proceedings and added a third goal just before the end of the opening quarter. Purnima Yadav scored a field goal in the 14th minute as India finished the first quarter with a commanding 3-0 lead.
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.
However, neither side was able to add to the scoreline, and India went into the half-time break with a comfortable 3-0 lead.
Related: AHF Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2026: India dominates South Korea 4-1
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 then shifted through the gears once again, scoring three goals in the space of five minutes. 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.
India continued their dominance and added another goal just a minute later. Purnima Yadav found the back of the net in the 46th minute to complete her brace and take India’s lead to 6-0 at the end of the third quarter.
The Indian side maintained their attacking intent in the final quarter and were rewarded once again in the 50th minute when Sanika Chandrakant Mane scored her first goal of the match to make it 7-0.
India comfortably saw out the remainder of the match to register their third consecutive victory and another emphatic result in the Elite Pool.
With nine points from three matches, India currently sits at the top of the Elite Pool. They will face China on 9 September in their final pool match, with the encounter set to determine the top position in the pool. China currently has six points from two matches.
With their victory over Japan, India has also secured qualification for the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Junior Asia Cup.
What was the result of the India vs Japan match in Elite Pool of AHF Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2026?
India thrashed Japan 7-0 with Purnima and Geeta scoring braces.
What is India’s current position in the Elite Pool at AHF Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2026?
India are top of the pool with a perfect record after three matches. They are on nine points, same as second-placed China but ahead on goal difference.
Who do India play next in Elite Pool at AHF Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2026?
India will face China on September 9 in their final pool match, which will decide the top spot in the Elite Pool.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram