Junior Asia Cup: Odisha’s Sunelita Toppo Stars As India Enter Final, Qualify For World Cup

Tokyo: Odisha’s rising star Sunelita Toppo was the star of the show as India reached the final of the Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 being played at Japan’s Kakamigahara.

The Indian forward made the difference in a close semifinal as she scored a field goal in the opening minute of the final quarter to edge out hosts Japan 1-0. Sunelita, one of five Odisha girls in the Asia Cup squad, has scored 5 goals in the tournament so far.

India’s second final appearance in the tournament, after a gap of 11 years, also booked them a ticket to the FIH Junior Hockey Women’s World Cup. The World Cup will be held at Santiago, Chile, from November 29 to December 10.

In the title clash on Sunday, Indian girls will face South Korea, who saw off the challenge of China 2-0.

India, who drew 2-2 with the Koreans in group stage, topped Pool A on goal difference. In their other matches, India walloped Uzbekistan 22-0, Chinese Taipei 11-0 and edged past Malaysia 2-1.