Sports

IIE DIGITAL DESK ;  June 6: The Indian women's hockey team secured the bronze medal at the Women's U-18 Asia Cup 2026 after registering a commanding 3-0 victory over Korea in the third-place playoff match on Saturday.

Goals from Sandeepa Kumari in the second minute, captain Sweety Kujur in the 16th minute, and Nushin Naz in the 33rd minute ensured that India concluded its campaign with a podium finish.

Determined to bounce back from their heartbreaking shootout defeat against China in the semifinal, India got off to a dream start and took the lead within the opening two minutes of the contest.

Sandeepa displayed remarkable composure and produced an excellent finish to provide India with the breakthrough goal, setting the tone for the remainder of the match.

India maintained possession effectively and continued to create opportunities in the attacking third. Their efforts paid off again in the 16th minute when captain Sweety Kujur found the back of the net with a field goal, doubling India's advantage before the teams headed into the second quarter.

The Indian side remained firmly in control after the break and extended its lead further in the 33rd minute. Tournament top scorer Nushin Naz added her name to the scoresheet with a perfectly executed field goal, taking her tally to 12 goals in the competition and strengthening her position at the top of the scoring charts.

India comfortably saw out the remainder of the match to secure the bronze medal. Sandeepa Kumari was named Player of the Match for her outstanding performance in the victory.