India beat Wales 3-1 in FIH Junior Women’s World Cup

India defeated Wales 3-1 in a classification match at the FIH Junior Women’s World Cup in Santiago. Goals from Hina Bano, Sunelita Toppo and Ishika sealed the win, keeping India in contention for a top-10 finish

Santiago (Chile): India asserted its supremacy with a commanding 3-1 victory over Wales in a 9/16 classification match at the FIH Junior Women’s World Cup, remaining in contention for a top-10 finish.

At the Centro Deportivo de Hockey Césped, Estadio Nacional, Hina Bano (14), Sunelita Toppo (24) and Ishika (31) scored for India, while Eloise Moat (52) netted the lone goal for Wales.

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India began with a penalty corner in the first 30 seconds and created regular opportunities but could not find the opening goal early on. Wales had a chance to surge ahead with a penalty stroke but were denied by goalkeeper Nidhi, who made a sharp save to keep the scores level.

India eventually broke the deadlock towards the end of the first quarter, courtesy a tap-in from Hina after neat work by Sakshi Rana. Sunelita doubled the lead in the second quarter, capitalising on a rebound from Rana’s shot. With 14 circle penetrations in the first half, India deservedly led 2-0 at the break.

Ishika extended the lead to 3-0 early in the second half, scoring off a rebound from the Welsh goalkeeper. Jyoti Singh’s side controlled the tempo, stretched the Welsh defence, and pressed high while remaining compact at the back.

Wales pulled one back through Eloise Moat in the 52nd minute, but it proved only a consolation as India held firm to secure a well-earned 3-1 win.

India will next play Uruguay on December 9.