Hattric Supriya Vs. Korea powers India in Junior Women’s Asian Cup final

India continued their title defense in style as they stormed into the finals of the AHF Junior Asia Cup with an impressive 5-1 victory over South Korea in the first semi-final on Saturday. Drag-flick specialist Supriya was the star of the show as he scored three times from penalty corners to put the defending champions one win away from retaining the title.

The opening exchanges were very even as both teams approached the knockout clash cautiously. However, India gradually began to take control and were rewarded in the 13th minute when Madhu Sidar finished off a well-worked attacking move to give the defending champions a 1-0 lead.

The early breakthrough gave India more confidence and it began to put sustained pressure on the Korean defenses. A penalty corner in the 17th minute brought Supriya the first chance of the evening and she made no mistake with a sharp move that doubled India’s lead.

India continued to dominate in possession and territory while South Korea struggled to contain their attacks. Their pressure produced another goal in the 21st minute when a well-placed ball in the air opened up the Korean defense before a pinpoint cross was expertly finished by Sukhveer Kaur to give India a 3-0 lead.

SUPRIYA DRAG-FLICK MASTERCLASS

South Korea showed some signs of a response before the break, but India’s defense stood firm to take a three-goal cushion into half-time. The defending champions then picked up where they left off after the break, with Supriya striking again from a penalty corner to make it 4-0 in the 33rd minute.

The Koreans finally found a way in the 41st minute when Yuri Jeong converted the set-piece to lower the score. The goal offered South Korea a brief glimpse of a comeback, but India remained composed and refused to allow their opponents to mount any sustained pressure.

India remained disciplined at the back while threatening in attack and their persistence earned them another penalty corner in the 56th minute. Supriya came through again and produced another clinical move to complete her hat-trick and seal a comprehensive 5-1 win.

The win sends India into the finals of the Junior Asia Cup, where they will face either China or Japan. The defending champions will now be one win away from reclaiming the continental title.

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Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

12 Sep 2026 15:36 IST