MUSCAT: India defeated Pakistan 5-3 to clinch their third consecutive Men’s Junior Hockey Asia Cup title in an intense showdown on Wednesday.
India’s Araijeet Singh Hundal netted four of India’s five goals, including two later in the final quarter, to seal the title of standout performer.
Pakistan made an early breakthrough, with skipper Hannan Shahid scoring within three mintues to give his team the lead. However, in the fourth minute, Hundal shot back for India, drawing the match in 1-1.
Then India showed its real dominance in the second quarter, making two quick strikes through Dilraj Singh, followed by Hundal to lead 3-1 at half-time. Sufiyan Khan scored two goals to equalise and level it at 3-3, but in the last quarter, Hundal scored two more goals to lock the fate of India with a win.
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India remains unbeaten
Both teams entered the final unbeaten, Pakistan defeating Japan 4-2 in the semi-finals and India downing Malaysia 3-1.
The final match made India yet another participant in the 2024 FIH Junior World Cup, to be held in India along with Pakistan. This triumph brought India even closer to the forefront of junior hockey, as the team displayed grit and skill throughout the tournament.