U18 Asia Cup 2026: India’s Under-18 Women’s Hockey Team Beats Korea 3-0 to Secure Bronze

The Indian U18 Women's Hockey Team ended its Women's U18 Asia Cup 2026 campaign on a high by defeating Korea 3-0 in the bronze medal match at Kakamigahara, Japan, on Saturday. Coming just days after a heartbreaking semi-final shootout loss to China, the young Indian side showed impressive resilience and character to bounce back with a commanding performance.

Goals from Sandeepa Kumari, captain Sweety Kujur and tournament top scorer Nousheen Naz ensured India secured a place on the podium. Beyond the medal, the tournament highlighted the depth of India's emerging talent, with the team scoring 36 goals and consistently producing exciting attacking hockey. The bronze medal serves as a fitting reward for a squad that combined skill, determination and discipline throughout the competition.

Fast Start Gives India Complete Control

India wasted no time asserting themselves and opened the scoring in just the second minute. Sandeepa Kumari capitalised on an early opportunity and calmly found the back of the net to hand her side the perfect start.

The early breakthrough boosted India's confidence as they controlled possession and pushed Korea onto the defensive. Their dominance was rewarded again in the 16th minute when captain Sweety Kujur struck with a well-taken field goal, doubling India's lead and putting them firmly in charge of the contest.

Nousheen Naz Adds Finishing Touch

After taking a two-goal advantage into the break, India continued to dictate proceedings in the second half. The decisive third goal arrived in the 33rd minute through Nousheen Naz, who once again showcased her clinical finishing ability.

The goal took Naz's tally to 12 goals in the tournament, strengthening her I position as the competition's leading scorer. Her outstanding form played a crucial role in India's impressive run and established her as one of the standout players of the tournament.

Defence Delivers the Perfect Ending

While the forwards grabbed the headlines, India's defensive unit was equally impressive. Korea struggled to create meaningful chances as the Indian backline remained organised and disciplined throughout the match.

The defence ensured a clean sheet, allowing India to comfortably see out the game and secure the bronze medal. Sandeepa Kumari's influential performance earned her the Player of the Match award as India completed a memorable finish to their campaign.
With a bronze medal, 36 goals and several emerging stars making their mark, India leaves the Women's U18 Asia Cup 2026 with plenty of positives and renewed confidence for the future.