Supriya's hat-trick vs Korea powers India storm into Junior Women's Asia Cup final
India continued their title defence in style as they stormed into the final of the AHF Junior Asia Cup with a commanding 5-1 victory over South Korea in the first semi-final on Saturday. Drag-flick specialist Supriya was the star of the show, scoring three times from penalty corners to put the defending champions one win away from retaining the title.
The opening exchanges were closely contested as both teams approached the knockout clash cautiously. India, however, gradually began to take control and were rewarded in the 13th minute when Madhu Sidar finished off a well-worked attacking move to put the defending champions 1-0 ahead.
The early breakthrough gave India greater confidence and they began to apply sustained pressure on the Korean defence. A penalty corner in the 17th minute handed Supriya her first opportunity of the evening, and she made no mistake with a sharp drag-flick that doubled India's advantage.
India continued to dominate possession and territory, while South Korea struggled to contain their attacks. Their pressure produced another goal in the 21st minute, when a well-placed aerial ball opened up the Korean defence before a precise cross was expertly finished by Sukhveer Kaur to give India a 3-0 lead.
South Korea showed some signs of a response before the interval, but India's defence held firm to take a three-goal cushion into half-time. The defending champions then picked up where they left off after the break, with Supriya striking again from a penalty corner in the 33rd minute to make it 4-0.
The Koreans finally found a way through in the 41st minute when Yuri Jeong converted a set-piece to reduce the deficit. The goal offered South Korea a brief glimpse of a comeback, but India stayed composed and refused to allow their opponents to build any sustained pressure.
India remained disciplined at the back while continuing to threaten in attack, and their persistence earned another penalty corner in the 56th minute. Supriya once again stepped up and produced another clinical drag-flick to complete her hat-trick and seal a comprehensive 5-1 win.
The victory sends India into the Junior Asia Cup final, where they will face either hosts China or Japan. The defending champions will now be one win away from lifting the continental title once again.- EndsPublished By: Debodinna ChakrabortyPublished On: Sep 12, 2026 15:36 IST
