India Crowned Champions as Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2026 Concludes in Hulunbuir City
Hulunbuir City, China – 13 September 2026: The Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2026 concluded in Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China, with India crowned champions, hosts China securing the silver medal, and Japan taking bronze after ten days of junior international hockey from 4–13 September 2026.
The tournament brought together ten teams from across Asia and provided an important platform for the continent’s emerging women’s hockey talent. The competition began with teams divided between the Elite Pool and Challenger Pool, before progressing to the classification matches, quarter-finals, semi-finals and medal matches.
India Lift the Asian Crown
India completed an impressive campaign by defeating hosts China 1–0 in the Gold Medal Match on 13 September. The closely contested final saw both teams battle for control, with India ultimately finding the decisive goal and holding firm to secure the championship.
India’s route through the tournament included notable Elite Pool performances, including an 11–1 victory over Malaysia, a 7–0 win against Japan, and a goalless draw with China.
In the knockout stage, India defeated Pakistan 19–0 in Quarter Final 1 before overcoming Korea 5–1 in the semi-final, setting up the championship encounter with China.
India’s No. 42 MANE Sanika Chandrakant was named Player of the Match in the final. She finished the competition with seven goals, underlining her contribution to India’s successful campaign.
Hosts China Take Silver
China produced an excellent tournament in front of their home supporters and reached the final following a series of strong performances.
The hosts recorded victories including 6–1 over Malaysia, 4–1 over Japan and 3–0 over Korea during the earlier stages of the competition.
China then defeated Kazakhstan 4–0 in the quarter-final before producing an emphatic 6–0 victory over Japan in the semi-final. Their impressive run eventually ended in a narrow 1–0 defeat to India in the title match.
Japan Secure Bronze
Japan concluded their campaign on the podium after defeating Korea 2–0 in the Bronze Medal Match on the final day.
Japan had booked their place in the semi-finals with a 2–0 quarter-final victory over Bangladesh. After falling to China in the semi-final, the Japanese side responded strongly in their final appearance to secure third place.
Competitive Hockey Across the Tournament
Beyond the medal positions, the tournament featured competitive performances throughout both sections of the competition.
Bangladesh enjoyed an impressive Challenger Pool campaign, recording victories including 7–0 over Chinese Taipei, 4–0 over Kazakhstan, 6–0 over Hong Kong China and 5–1 over Pakistan.
Bangladesh ultimately defeated Malaysia 2–1 in the 5th–6th Place match, while Kazakhstan recorded a 2–0 victory over Pakistan in the 7th–8th Place match. Chinese Taipei defeated Hong Kong China 3–1 in the 9th–10th Place encounter.
The tournament also highlighted several outstanding individual performances. Bangladesh’s RIMON Sharika and India’s MANE Sanika Chandrakant finished with seven goals each, while India’s Supriya and YADAV Purnima recorded six goals apiece.
A Platform for Asia’s Next Generation
The Women’s Junior Asia Cup once again demonstrated the depth and growing competitiveness of women’s hockey across Asia. From the opening pool matches to the final whistle of the Gold Medal Match, the competition provided young athletes with the opportunity to compete internationally, gain valuable experience and represent their nations on the continental stage.
The Asian Hockey Federation congratulates India on becoming Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2026 champions, China on winning silver and Japan on securing bronze.
The AHF also extends its sincere appreciation to all participating teams, athletes, coaches, technical officials and umpires, as well as the Chinese Hockey Association, Local Organising Committee, volunteers, partners and supporterswhose efforts contributed to the successful staging of the competition in Hulunbuir City.
The tournament concluded with another generation of Asian hockey talent having demonstrated its skill, ambition and potential — reflecting the AHF’s commitment to developing the sport and creating opportunities for young athletes across the continent.
Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2026 – Medal Positions
🥇 Gold – India 🇮🇳
🥈 Silver – China 🇨🇳
🥉 Bronze – Japan 🇯🇵
Final: India 1–0 China
Bronze Medal Match: Korea 0–2 Japan
Venue: Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
Dates: 4–13 September 2026
