Indian girls stun South Korea, win Junior Hockey Asia Cup

India stunned South Korea, the four-time champions, 2-1, and won the Women's Junior Hockey Asia Cup for the first time.
For India, Annu and Neelam scored goals, whereas Park Seo Yeon scored the only goal for Korea. India finally got going after a lacklustre first period with a goal by Annu from a penalty corner in the 22nd minute.
Annu made amends for her miss in the semifinal against Japan, as she stepped up in style to beat the goalkeeper and give India the lead against the run of play. South Korea took three minutes to bring it level when Park Seo Yeon struck from the right following a brilliant surge.
India regained the lead in the 41st minute with to a strong strike from Neelam to the low right of the South Korean custodian. India sealed the deal in the third quarter by maintaining their slim lead. India graciously gave South Korea PCs one after another, giving them several opportunities, but they were unable to convert.
Before this, India’s best ever finish in the tournament was in the 2012 edition in Bangkok when they entered the final of the continental showpiece for the first time, only to lose to China 2-5. Indian captain Preeti who was named Player-of-the-Match said they had their strategy in place following a 1-1 draw against the Koreans in the round-robin stage.
HI announces cash rewards
Each player will receive a monetary prize of Rs 200,000 from Hockey India, and the support personnel will also receive Rs 100,000 for their outstanding performance.. “We are filled with immense pride as the Indian Junior Women’s team clinched their maiden Junior Asia Cup,” HI president Dilip Tirkey said.