Muscat: India won its second consecutive Women's Junior Asia Cup hockey title on Sunday, beating three-time champions China after goalkeeper Nidhi stood tall, making three marvellous saves during the penalty shootout. The scores were 3-2 (1-1). On Sunday, Hockey India announced a reward of Rs 2 lakh for every player and Rs 1 lakh for each support staff member as a gesture, PTI reported.
"Hockey India, on the occasion, announced a reward of Rs 2 lakh for each player and Rs 1 lakh to each support staff as a gesture for everyone's effort and winning the championship," the national federation said in a release.
Nidhi's heroics capped off a stellar performance, having already stood tall during regulation time by thwarting multiple attempts from the Chinese forwards as the four quarters ended in a nerve-wracking 1-1 stalemate.
The game began with China taking early control, pressing hard against the Indian defence in the opening minutes.
Despite India's dominance in possession, their inability to capitalise on penalty corners -- missing two golden chances in the first quarter -- proved costly.
China struck first in dramatic fashion right before half-time.
India began the second half with renewed vigour and a sense of urgency as they dominated proceedings in the third quarter and were finally rewarded in the 41st minute.
A penalty corner opportunity saw the ball rebound to an Indian attacker, who slotted it home to level the score at 1-1.
India had an early opportunity in the 48th minute through a penalty corner but failed to execute effectively, continuing their struggles with set pieces.
Similarly, China squandered their chances, with poor penalty corner conversions leaving them visibly frustrated.