The India sub-junior women’s hockey team, led by coach Rani Rampal, secured the silver medal at the FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship in Muscat, Oman. Despite aiming for gold, the team faced a 2-4 defeat against China in the final match. This achievement also guarantees India’s entry into the FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup, marking a significant milestone for the young team on the global platform.
Rani Rampal expressed pride in the U-18 team’s performance, emphasizing the value of experience gained during the championship match. While winning a medal is an honor, she highlighted the importance of qualities like discipline, dedication, and teamwork beyond mere victories. The coach reiterated the team’s commitment to continuous learning, improvement, and prioritizing India’s interests.
In the final showdown, China dominated early with goals from Tongtong Lu, Kexin Tang, and Jiaxin Guo, establishing a 3-0 lead. India fought back as Nousheen Naz and Pushpa Manjhi scored, narrowing the gap. However, Chen Ge’s goal secured China’s 4-2 victory, clinching the title. Despite the loss, the Indian team’s exceptional performance was recognized by Hockey India, which awarded cash prizes to players and support staff for their achievements at the championship.
