New Delhi: India sub-junior women’s hockey team coach Rani Rampal reflected on the team’s runners-up finish at the FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship and said that although the players aimed for gold, the final provided them with valuable experience under pressure.

India won the silver medal at the championship in Muscat, Oman, after losing 2-4 to China in the final on Saturday. Despite the defeat, the team secured qualification for the FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup, marking a significant achievement on the international stage.

Rani Rampal Praises Young Team’s Performance

Taking to X, Rani Rampal congratulated the U-18 Indian women’s hockey team for their performance and qualification for the inaugural FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup.

“Proud of our U-18 team for winning at the Hockey 5s Asian Championship 2026 in Oman and qualifying for the inaugural FIH Youth Hockey 5s World Cup. We came for gold, but this final gave our young players something equally valuable, experience under the pressure of a championship match,” she wrote.

Rani added that the team’s focus remains on continuous improvement, learning and maintaining commitment towards representing India.

She further said that success is not only measured by medals but also by discipline, dedication, teamwork, humility and work ethic.

China Defeat India 4-2 in Championship Final

China started strongly in the final, with Tongtong Lu scoring in the opening minute. Kexin Tang doubled the lead in the fifth minute before Jiaxin Guo extended China’s advantage to 3-0 a minute later.

India fought back after halftime as Nousheen Naz scored in the 13th minute to reduce the deficit. However, China regained their three-goal lead through Chen Ge in the 19th minute.

India’s Pushpa Manjhi scored again in the 20th minute, giving the team hope, but China held their nerve to secure a 4-2 victory and lift the title.

Hockey India Announces Cash Reward for Team

Recognising the team’s impressive performance, Hockey India announced a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh for each player of the Indian women’s hockey team and Rs 50,000 for each support staff member for their achievement at the championship.

The silver medal and World Cup qualification mark another important milestone for India’s young hockey players as they continue their journey on the global stage.