India beats Wales 3-1 in playoffs of FIH Junior Women’s World Cup 2025
The Indian junior women’s hockey team secured a commanding 3-1 victory over Wales in its playoff at the 2025 FIH Junior Women’s World Cup at the Centro Deportivo de Hockey Césped, Estadio Nacional, Santiago, on Monday.
India began aggressively, earning a Penalty Corner within the opening 30 seconds. It controlled possession and played between the lines to create regular openings but could not strike early.
Wales had a chance to take the lead through a penalty stroke, but goalkeeper Nidhi produced a sharp save to keep the scores level.
India eventually broke the deadlock late in the first quarter through Hina Bano’s tap-in in the 14th minute, following neat work by Sakshi Rana. The pressure continued into the second quarter, and sustained attacks paid off when Sakshi’s initial effort fell kindly for Sunelita Toppo (24’), who finished from close range.
The lead was extended soon after the break when Ishika (31’) converted from a rebound after the Welsh goalkeeper failed to hold on to a shot.
Wales pulled one back through Eloise Moat in the 52nd minute, but India managed the closing stages well to seal the win.
India will face Uruguay in the crossover match on December 9.
Scorers: India: Hina Bano (14’), Sunelita Toppo (24’), Ishika (31’). Wales: Eloise Moat (52’).
Published on Dec 08, 2025