U-18 AISA CUP HOCKEY: Nousheen’s early strike not enough as India lose shootout 1-3 to China in semis

Bhopal:Nousheen Naz’s early strike gave India hope, but the U-18 Indian women’s hockey team fell 1-3 in a shootout to China after a 2-2 draw in the U-18 Asia Cup semi-final here on Friday. India will face the loser of second semi-final between Japan and Korea on June 6 in the bronze-medal playoff.The 15-year-old forward from Madhya Pradesh converted a textbook backhand in the third minute to give India a dream start, finishing a precise midfield feed from captain Sweety Kujur. Nousheen’s early goal showcased her poise and finishing instinct and set the tone for a tightly contested encounter that India led twice in regulation time.China, however, responded through Li ZeYan’s 24th-minute field goal, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to level the scores. India’s goalkeeper Mahak Parihar had earlier denied a dangerous drag-flick from Feng Jiaxin at a 21st-minute penalty corner, keeping India in the contest as the first half ended locked at 1-1.Despite sustained pressure and sustained play in midfield led by Nousheen and Kujur, India could not extend their advantage. The third quarter saw China dominate possession and earn a penalty corner in the 34th minute, only to be repelled by a resolute Indian defense that kept the match poised.China took a slender lead early in the fourth when Zhang Yuzheng slotted in from a rebound off a penalty corner in the 48th minute. Once again, India showed character: in the 54th minute Kiran Ekka converted a penalty corner to restore parity at 2-2, and Nousheen’s earlier contribution had already underscored India’s attacking intent.The match went to a shootout where China’s goalkeeper Liu Xue produced key saves as Lu Tong Tong, Ge Chen and Guo Jiaxin converted for China. Sandeepa Kumari was India’s sole successful shooter, and China clinched the semi-final 3-1 in the shootout.Though the result denied India a place in the final, Nousheen Naz emerged as a bright note for the team, her early strike highlighting both her finishing ability and potential to influence big matches.