Daijiworld Media Network - Santiago

Santiago, Dec 5: The Indian junior women’s hockey team delivered a commanding 4–0 victory over Ireland in their final Pool C match of the FIH Junior Women’s World Cup in Santiago on Friday, bouncing back strongly after their earlier defeat. Goals from Purnima Yadav (42’, 58’), Kanika Siwach (12’), and Sakshi Rana (57’) sealed a confident win at the Estadio Nacional.

India set the tone early, earning a penalty corner within the first 12 seconds, though the opportunity slipped away. Persistent pressure earned them more chances, and in the 12th minute, a sharp assist from Sakshi Rana allowed Kanika Siwach to dodge the advancing Irish goalkeeper and tap the ball into an empty goal.

Several more penalty corners followed for India, but Ireland’s goalkeeper Lucy McGoldrick stood firm with crucial saves. Ireland managed their first real effort in the 24th minute, only to be denied by the Indian keeper. India went into halftime with a narrow 1–0 lead despite dominating possession and territory.

The third quarter further reinforced India’s control. After a near miss from Sukhveer Kaur, India finally converted a set-piece in the 42nd minute when Purnima Yadav expertly deflected a powerful pass from Sakshi Shukla to make it 2–0.

Ireland showed signs of resistance early in the fourth quarter, with Eabha Curran threatening the goal, but Nandini intervened with a perfectly timed block. India then closed out the match in style with two goals in quick succession: first, a spectacular solo effort from Sakshi Rana showcasing her 3D skills, followed by Yadav’s calm second finish in the 58th minute.

The dominant performance gives India strong momentum heading into the knockout rounds, reaffirming their attacking prowess and defensive solidity on the world stage.