India’s junior women’s hockey team delivered a strong performance to beat Wales 3-1 in the playoff of the FIH Junior Women’s World Cup 2025 at the Centro Deportivo de Hockey Césped, Estadio Nacional in Santiago, Chile, on Monday.
India started aggressively, earning a penalty corner within the opening 30 seconds and controlling possession. Wales threatened with a penalty stroke, but goalkeeper Nidhi produced a sharp save to keep the scores level.
India broke the deadlock in the 14th minute when Hina Bano tapped in after neat work from Sakshi Rana. The momentum continued in the second quarter as Sunelita Toppo scored from close range in the 24th minute. Soon after halftime, Ishika extended the lead in the 31st minute, converting from a rebound after the Welsh goalkeeper failed to collect a shot.
Wales pulled one back in the 52nd minute through Eloise Moat, but India held firm in the closing stages to secure victory.
With this win, India advanced to face Uruguay in the crossover match scheduled for December 9.
Scorers:
- India: Hina Bano (14’), Sunelita Toppo (24’), Ishika (31’)
- Wales: Eloise Moat (52’)
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