The Indian junior men’s hockey team defeated arch-rival Pakistan 5-3 in the high-scoring final of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup in Muscat, Oman, on Wednesday, successfully defending their title. Hockey India announced cash rewards of ₹2 lakh for each player and ₹1 lakh for each support staff member in recognition of their exceptional title defense and dominant performance throughout the tournament.
Araijeet Singh Hundal (4′, 18′, 47′, 54′) displayed exceptional form for India, scoring four goals, while Dilraj Singh (19′) also contributed to the scoresheet. For Pakistan, Captain Shahid Hannan (3′) and Sufyan Khan (30′, 39′) tried their best to keep their team in contention.
India has now lifted the Men’s Junior Asia Cup trophy a record five times, with previous wins in 2023, 2015, 2008, and 2004.
Match recap
Pakistan took an early lead when Captain Shahid Hannan capitalized on a loose ball in the shooting circle and beat Indian goalkeeper Bikramjeet Singh in a one-on-one. However, India responded immediately with a penalty corner, where Araijeet Singh Hundal unleashed a powerful drag flick into the top right corner to level the score. Both teams exchanged circle entries but failed to find the net again in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, India earned another penalty corner within three minutes. Araijeet stepped up and delivered a precise drag flick, finding the gap between Pakistan’s goalkeeper Muhammad Janjua and the post-man to put India ahead. Shortly after, Indian forward Dilraj Singh dazzled past two defenders on the left wing and struck the board, extending India’s lead to 3-1.
Pakistan responded before halftime, earning a penalty corner. Sufyan Khan’s impressive drag flick beat Bikramjit Singh to narrow the scoreline to 3-2.
The third quarter saw intense back-and-forth action. Araijeet created two quick chances, but Pakistan’s goalkeeper Janjua made brilliant saves to keep his team in the match. Later, Sufyan Khan converted another penalty corner, leveling the score at 3-3 heading into the final quarter.
India regained momentum in the fourth quarter. Manmeet Singh’s skillful play found Araijeet unmarked in front of the goal, and he deflected the ball in to complete his hat-trick and restore India’s lead. With six minutes remaining, India executed a penalty corner variation, freeing Araijeet to deliver a stunning drag flick into the top right corner, making it 5-3.
Despite Pakistan’s late attempts, including a significant effort from Hannan Shahid, Indian goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh stood firm, ensuring no further goals and sealing India’s victory.