India wins third straight Junior Asia Cup hockey title

India's junior women's hockey team secured its third consecutive AHF Junior Asia Cup title on Sunday, defeating host nation China 1-0 in the final in Moqi, China. The victory, achieved through a single goal and a disciplined defensive performance, also earned the team qualification for the FIH Junior Women's Hockey World Cup. Sanika Chandrakant Mane scored the decisive goal in the 17th minute of the final. After a tightly contested opening quarter, Mane demonstrated sharp awareness to position herself near the goal and deflect a long pass into the net, beating Chinese goalkeeper Xu Mengjiao. India then successfully defended its narrow lead for the remainder of the match. China's best opportunity to equalize came when they were awarded a penalty corner, but their direct effort was disallowed after the ball entered the goal above the permitted height of the backboard. India's defense remained resolute throughout the second half, intercepting dangerous passes and closing down spaces to frustrate the hosts' attacking pushes, particularly in the final quarter. The triumph capped an unbeaten tournament campaign for the Indian side.