Published: September 13, 2026 at 9:57 am
Supriya Kujur did the trick for India as the women’s team powered to the final of the AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026 with a convincing 5-1 victory over South Korea in the first semifinal in Moqi, China, on Saturday.
Drag-flick specialist Supriya was the star of the show, completing a hat-trick through three clinical penalty-corner conversions as the defending champions underlined their title credentials. India will now face China in the summit clash.
Indian girls thump Pakistan 19-0 to storm into semifinals of Women’s Junior Asia Cup
Both teams began cautiously, with the intensity of the knockout encounter leading to a cagey opening phase. India gradually settled into their rhythm and began creating openings, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 13th minute. A well-constructed attacking move saw Madhu Sidar provide the finishing touch to give India a 1-0 lead.
The goal gave India added momentum and they began dictating proceedings in the second quarter, making regular incursions into the Korean circle. Their pressure earned a penalty corner in the 17th minute, and Supriya stepped up to unleash a precise drag-flick past the Korean defence and double India’s advantage.
The defending champions will take on China in the final, where they will look to complete another successful title defence. Pics: Hockey India
India continued to control possession and territory, and their attacking intent was rewarded again in the 21st minute. A superbly directed aerial ball into the Korean 23-metre area found an Indian winger, whose well-timed cross into the circle was expertly finished by Sukhveer Kaur to make it 3-0.
South Korea showed glimpses of a response before half-time, creating a few opportunities, but India’s defence remained composed to preserve their three-goal cushion at the interval.
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India came out strongly after the break and extended their lead in the 33rd minute. Another penalty corner presented Supriya with the opportunity to showcase her speciality, and the drag-flick specialist made no mistake, finding the target for her second goal of the match and putting India 4-0 ahead.
With the deficit growing, South Korea continued to chase the game and eventually found a breakthrough in the 41st minute. Yuri Jeong converted from a set-piece to reduce the deficit to 4-1 and briefly raise hopes of a comeback.
India, however, remained disciplined in the final quarter, tightening their defensive structure and denying the Koreans any clear route back into the contest. However, the title-holders also attacked purposefully at every opportunity. Their efforts were rewarded in the 56th minute with another penalty corner. Supriya once again delivered with authority, completing her hat-trick and sealing a comprehensive 5-1 victory.
