India junior women win U21 International Four-Nations Hockey title after beating Ireland

In a cagey first quarter both teams went through dominant phases of play, but created few clear chances to open the score. Ireland won a succession of PCs right at the end of the quarter, but despite the pressure, India's defence and Bichu Devi in goal ensured they went into the break goalless.

The second quarter played out to a similar script as the first, but over the course of the period, India started asserting more of themselves into the game. Ireland though were the ones creating all the PC chances, and had another midway through the quarter, which was saved by Bichu Devi. Despite the quality of attacking play, it was the two defences that really stood out through the encounter. And it was their resilience that meant both teams went into half-time locked in a stalemate.

Ireland came out for the final quarter with their backs to the wall, and forced into attacking without regard for safety. India, on the other hand were happy to sit back and soak the pressure, and hit them on the counter when the opportunity presented itself. Ireland created three PCs over the period of the final quarter, but each of them was thwarted by a resolute Bichu Devi and the Indian defence, to ensure that the team ended up with a clean sheet. Gagandeep's goal proved to be the difference between the sides, as India prevailed 1-0 and took the title.