The Indian Men’s Junior Hockey team successfully clinched the Asian crown by defeating Pakistan 2-1 in a thrilling final at Salalah in Oman.
India created a new record of winning the maximum titles at the Men’s Junior Asia Cup Hockey. The earlier titles were won in 2004, 2008 and 2015.
In the final match of this year’s edition, Angad Bir Singh gave the lead to India by striking in the 13th minute. Five minutes into the second quarter, India’s top-scorer at Men’s Junior Asia Cup Hockey 2023, Araijeet Singh Hundal ensured India remained in command of the game. Araijeet earlier scored eight goals in the tournament.
India and Pakistan were in the same pool. Both the teams remained undefeated in the group stage after the India vs Pakistan match ended in a 1-1 draw. However, India, finished at the top as they had a better goal difference over Pakistan.
In the semi-finals, India defeated the Republic of Korea 9-1 while Pakistan defeated Malaysia 6-2.
India lifted the trophy in front of a near-capacity crowd at the Salalah Sports Complex.