India began its playoff campaign with a confident 3-1 win over Wales in the FIH Hockey World Cup for Junior Women in Santiago on Sunday, restoring momentum after missing out on a quarter-final berth.

India will next face Uruguay on December 9 as it seeks to finish the tournament on a high note.

A 1-3 loss to Germany in the second pool match ultimately ended India’s hopes of advancing to the quarter-finals, despite a commanding 13-0 win over Namibia in the opener and a solid 4-0 victory against Ireland. The two wins, however, were not enough to lift India into the top eight.

Hina Bano (14’), Sunelita Toppo (24’), and Ishika (31’) scored for India, while Eloise Moat (52’) netted the lone goal for Wales.

India started aggressively, earning a penalty corner within the first 30 seconds and maintaining pressure by moving fluidly between the lines. Despite several early opportunities, the team struggled to convert until the 14th minute when Hina Bano tapped in a finish after neat play from Sakshi Rana. Wales had a chance to take the lead earlier from a penalty stroke, but goalkeeper Nidhi produced a sharp save to keep the scores level.

India opened the second quarter with another penalty corner and continued creating chances. Persistent pressure paid off in the 24th minute when Sunelita Toppo capitalized on a rebound from Rana’s initial attempt. With 14 circle penetrations in the first half, India went into the break with a well-earned 2-0 advantage.

Just one minute into the second half, Ishika extended the lead to 3-0 after the Welsh goalkeeper parried a shot into her path. Under coach Jyoti Singh, India dictated the pace, pressing high, stretching Wales’ defense, and maintaining defensive discipline. Wales struggled to break through as India closed out the third quarter in full control.

In the final quarter, India continued to dominate possession and search for scoring opportunities. Wales managed to pull one back through Eloise Moat (52’), but it remained only a consolation as India stayed composed to seal the match.

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