India Clinches 5th Junior Asia Cup Title, Defeats Pakistan 5-3

Arajit Singh Hundal delivered an exceptional performance, scoring four goals to help defending champions India secure a thrilling 5-3 victory against arch-rivals Pakistan in the final of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup on Wednesday. The win in Muscat marked India’s fifth title in the tournament’s history, with previous victories in 2004, 2008, 2015, and 2023. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament was not held in 2021.

Arajit displayed remarkable skill, converting penalty corners in the 18th and 54th minutes and netting a field goal in the 47th minute. Dilraj Singh added to the tally with a superb field goal in the 19th minute. For Pakistan, Sufyan Khan converted two penalty corners in the 30th and 39th minutes, while Hannan Shahid scored an early field goal in the third minute.

In the initial quarter, both teams fiercely competed for ball possession, displaying tight defense. Pakistan struck first with Shahid’s field goal in the third minute. However, India responded swiftly, earning their first penalty corner moments later, which Arajit converted with a powerful drag flick to equalize.

India intensified their attack in the second quarter. Arajit converted another penalty corner in the 18th minute, followed by Dilraj’s brilliant field goal a minute later, extending India’s lead to 3-1. Pakistan narrowed the gap before halftime with Sufyan’s penalty corner conversion, making it 3-2.

The third quarter saw Pakistan equalize through another penalty corner by Sufyan in the 39th minute. However, Arajit’s decisive goals in the 47th and 54th minutes sealed India’s victory, despite a valiant effort from Pakistan’s goalkeeper, Muhammad Janjua.

India’s head coach, PR Sreejesh, praised the team’s performance, drawing parallels to his days with the senior national team. Sreejesh, a two-time Olympian and former goalkeeper, transitioned to coaching after retiring following India’s bronze medal win at the Paris Olympics. Sharing his excitement on X, he wrote, “Champion ki mandatory selfie, alag bhumika, lakin wahi josh. Junior Asia Cup Champion 2024.”

This victory solidified India’s dominance in the Junior Asia Cup, having won the trophy a record five times. Hockey India announced cash rewards of ₹2 lakh for each player and ₹1 lakh for each support staff member in recognition of their stellar performance.

Sreejesh, who has been part of India’s iconic victories in events like the 2014 Asian Games and the 2022 Commonwealth Games, expressed pride in the team’s dedication and passion. The win reflects India’s promising hockey legacy and strengthens its position in junior hockey on the international stage.