Women's U-18 Asia Cup: India defeats China

India was off to a quick start as its first goal came in the seventh minute with Lalremsiami netting the ball. She doubled her score as well as the team’s tally with another goal just five minutes before the end of the first-half.

India eves prevailed 3-2 over China in a closely contested match at the fourth women’s U-18 Asia Cup here today.

India was off to a quick start as its first goal came in the seventh minute with Lalremsiami netting the ball. She doubled her score as well as the team’s tally with another goal just five minutes before the end of the first-half.

But China came out stronger in the second-half and Gu Yangyan converted a penalty corner in the 40th minute to reduce the deficit.

Although India held the control and the possession throughout the period, it was unable to create clear opportunities, and in the 51st minute, Yangyan once again netted the ball for China to score the equaliser via a penalty stroke.

However, India didn’t let its heads drop and it continued to rally to score a goal and eventually Sangita Kumari took full advantage of a penalty corner that proved to be the match-winner.

Speaking after the game, coach Baljeet Singh said, “It was a big game for us, and I am proud that despite losing an advantage in the second half we rallied and got the victory. It showed the strength of the players, mentally and physically.”