The Indian U-18 women’s hockey team, led by coach Rani Rampal, celebrated their Asia Cup bronze medal as a significant confidence boost. Despite missing the gold, captain Sweety Kujur expressed a mix of happiness and disappointment. The team excelled in the pool stage, scoring 30 goals and conceding only two, but faced a tough shootout loss to China in the semi-finals.
Head coach Rani Rampal emphasized that this tournament marks just the beginning for the young players, setting the stage for their future in hockey. India secured the bronze with a convincing 3-0 victory over Korea in the third-place playoff. Sandeepa Kumari, Sweety Kujur, and Nousheen Naz were instrumental in India’s podium finish, showcasing their attacking prowess.
Captain Sweety Kujur acknowledged the team’s self-inflicted errors that prevented them from reaching their goal of winning the gold. Despite the slight disappointment, the bronze medal signifies a strong conclusion to India’s campaign at the Women’s U18 Asia Cup 2026. The team’s performance highlighted their attacking strength, defensive resilience, and promising talent for the future.
