Supriya’s Hat-Trick Powers India Into Junior Women’s Hockey Asia Cup Final With 5-1 Win

Supriya’s penalty-corner brilliance powered India into the final of the Junior Women’s Asia Cup as the defending champions produced a commanding 5-1 victory over South Korea in the semifinal here on Saturday.

India were initially cautious as both teams tried to settle into the high-pressure knockout contest. But once they found their rhythm, the defending champions took control and rarely allowed South Korea to build sustained pressure.

India opened the scoring in the 13th minute when Madhu Sidar completed a well-worked attacking move. The goal gave India greater confidence and they began pushing deeper into the Korean half.

Their pressure soon earned a penalty corner, and Supriya made the opportunity count in the 17th minute, sending a precise drag-flick past the Korean defence to double India's advantage.

India continued to dominate possession and territory, adding another goal in the 21st minute. A cleverly played aerial ball created the opening, with a cross into the circle eventually finding Sukhveer Kaur, who finished confidently to put India 3-0 ahead.

South Korea created a few chances before the break but India's defence remained organised, taking a three-goal lead into half-time.

The Koreans faced an even tougher task after the restart when India struck again in the 33rd minute. Another penalty corner gave Supriya the chance to showcase her speciality, and the drag-flick specialist delivered once more to make it 4-0.

South Korea finally found a response in the 41st minute, with Yuri Jeong converting a set-piece to reduce the deficit to 4-1.

India, however, never allowed the comeback to gather momentum. They remained disciplined defensively while continuing to threaten on the attack.

The reward came in the 56th minute, when another penalty corner presented Supriya with the chance to complete her hat-trick. She made no mistake, sealing a memorable individual performance and India's emphatic passage into the final.

India will now meet the winner of the second semifinal between hosts China and Japan in the title clash.