India Dominates Pakistan 5-3 to Retain Men's Junior Asia Cup Title

Muscat (Oman), Dec 4 (NationPress) Araijeet Singh Hundal emerged as the standout player, scoring four goals as the Indian junior men's hockey team overcame their long-time rivals Pakistan 5-3 in a thrilling final of the Men's Junior Asia Cup, successfully defending their title and securing a historic fifth championship on this Wednesday.

Araijeet Singh Hundal was in exceptional form, netting goals in the 4th, 18th, 47th, and 54th minutes, while Dilraj Singh (19’) contributed another goal to the tally. Captain Shahid Hannan (3’) and Sufyan Khan (30’, 39’) fought hard to keep the scoreline close for Pakistan, but their efforts ultimately fell short.

With this victory, India has now clinched the title for a record five occasions, previously winning in 2023, 2015, 2008, and 2004. To celebrate this remarkable achievement, Hockey India announced a cash reward of 2 lakh for each player and 1 lakh for the support staff in recognition of their outstanding title defense and stellar performances during the Men's Junior Asia Cup.

During the initial phase of the match, Pakistan’s captain Shahid Hannan capitalized on a loose ball in the shooting circle, outmaneuvering Bikramjeet Singh in a one-on-one situation to score for Pakistan.

India quickly equalized by earning a penalty corner, where Araijeet Singh Hundal executed a powerful drag flick to the right top corner, leveling the score. Both teams exchanged circle entries without scoring until the end of the first quarter.

Just three minutes into the second quarter, India was awarded another penalty corner, and Araijeet once again found the net, exploiting the gap between Pakistan’s goalkeeper Muhammad Janjua and the postman with another thunderous drag flick to take the lead. Following this, Indian forwards applied relentless pressure on Pakistan's defense.

Quickly, Dilraj maneuvered past two defenders on the left wing and found the backboard, extending the Indian lead to 3-1. Pakistan also mounted attacks, earning a penalty corner before halftime, where Sufyan Khan showcased his drag-flicking ability, scoring to make it 3-2.

As the third quarter began, Araijeet created two quick chances, but Muhammad Janjua made remarkable saves to keep Pakistan in contention. The back-and-forth action continued until Sufyan Khan flicked the ball into the Indian goal from a penalty corner, leveling the score at 3-3 heading into the final quarter.

As the last quarter commenced, India took charge. Manmeet Singh skillfully bypassed his marker and found an unmarked Araijeet in front of the goal, who deftly deflected the ball in to regain India's lead and complete his hat-trick.

With ten minutes remaining, Zikriya Hayat initiated a counter-attack, but Indian goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh swiftly intervened to prevent any further threats. With six minutes left, India earned another penalty corner and executed a clever variation to free Araijeet, who sent the ball crashing into the top right corner with a flick, making it 5-3 for India.

As the match neared its conclusion, Hannan Shahid managed to create a significant goal-scoring opportunity, but Prince Deep stood resolutely in goal, deflecting the attempt and securing India’s victory.