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In a scintillating start to their FIH Junior Men's Hockey World Cup campaign, India displayed sheer dominance, defeating Korea 4-2 in their opening pool match. The star of the show was Araijeet Singh Hundal, who delivered an outstanding performance by scoring a sensational hat-trick. Additionally, Amandeep contributed to India's victory with a well-executed goal in the 30th minute, while Korea's Dohyun Lim (38th minute) and Minkwon Kim (45th minute) managed to find the back of the net for their team.
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India, still fueled by the memory of their bronze-medal defeat to France in the previous edition of the tournament in 2021, came out with a vengeance. Hundal set the tone early, securing a crucial goal in the 11th minute, converting a penalty corner with precision and power. The Indians continued to assert their dominance, putting immense pressure on the Korean defense. Just five minutes later, Hundal struck again, this time in the 16th minute, with a field goal, pushing India's lead to 2-0.
As the first half progressed, India's relentless attack bore fruit once more. In the 30th minute, Amandeep brilliantly found the target, extending India's lead to a commanding 3-0 at halftime.
Korea, however, demonstrated their resilience and managed to pull one goal back through Dohyun Lim in the 38th minute. Yet, India responded swiftly, with Hundal completing his hat-trick in the 41st minute with yet another field goal, re-establishing their three-goal cushion at 4-1.
With a comfortable 4-1 lead, India seemed to ease off the gas slightly, and the Koreans capitalised on the opportunity. Minkwon Kim managed to find the target in the 45th minute, reducing the margin to 4-2. The Koreans pressed hard in their pursuit of more goals, but India's defense held firm to secure the victory.
Looking ahead, India's next challenge will be against Spain in their second pool match, with Canada being the other team in the four-team Pool C. India boast of a storied history in the FIH Junior Men's Hockey World Cup, having won the tournament twice (in 2001 and 2016) and finishing as runners-up once (in 1997).
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