The Indian junior men's hockey team secured a thrilling 5-3 victory over Pakistan in the final of the Men’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024, held in Muscat, Oman, on Wednesday. This victory not only helped India defend their title but also extended their record for the most wins in the tournament, with five championships (2024, 2023, 2015, 2008, and 2004).
Araijeet Singh's Hat-Trick Steals the Show
Araijeet Singh Hundal was the standout performer for India, scoring four goals (4’, 18’, 47’, 54’) in the match. Dilraj Singh also contributed with a goal in the second quarter (19’). For Pakistan, captain Shahid Hannan (3’) and Sufyan Khan (30’, 39’) did everything they could to keep their team in contention, but their efforts ultimately fell short.
Pakistan Strikes Early, India Responds Quickly
The match started with a surprise early goal from Pakistan. In the 3rd minute, Shahid Hannan capitalized on a loose ball in the circle beating Indian goalkeeper Bikramjeet Singh in a one-on-one situation to give Pakistan the lead. However, India responded swiftly. In the 4th minute, Araijeet Singh converted a penalty corner with a powerful drag flick to level the score at 1-1 by the end of the first quarter.
India Takes Control in the Second Quarter
India quickly gained the upper hand in the second quarter. Within three minutes, they were awarded another penalty corner, and once again, Araijeet Singh delivered a stunning drag flick, this time finding the gap between Pakistan's goalkeeper Muhammad Janjua and the postman, giving India a 2-1 lead. India continued to apply pressure, and in the 19th minute, Dilraj Singh dribbled past two defenders and scored, extending the lead to 3-1.
Just before halftime, Pakistan responded through Sufyan Khan, who converted a penalty corner to reduce India’s lead to 3-2.
Intense Third Quarter, Equalized by Pakistan
As the third quarter began, India had a couple of close chances, but Pakistani goalkeeper Muhammad Janjua was on top form, saving two powerful attempts from Araijeet Singh. With six minutes left in the quarter, Sufyan Khan scored again from a penalty corner, leveling the score at 3-3 as both teams headed into the final quarter with everything to play for.
India Clinches the Win in the Final Quarter
In the fourth quarter, India regained control. Manmeet Singh, with a brilliant piece of skill, passed the ball to an unmarked Araijeet in front of the goal. Araijeet deflected it into the net, completing his hat-trick and putting India back in the lead at 4-3.
With ten minutes remaining, Pakistan's Zikriya Hayat attempted a counter-attack, but Indian goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh rushed out to clear the danger. With six minutes left, India was awarded another penalty corner. This time, they used a variation to free up Araijeet, who smashed the ball into the top right corner, making it 5-3.
As the match neared its end, Pakistan’s Shahid Hannan created a key scoring opportunity, but Prince Deep Singh stood firm, making a crucial save and securing India's victory.
Unbeaten Through the Tournament
This win capped off an undefeated campaign for the Indian team, who scored an impressive 46 goals and conceded only eight throughout the competition. Their remarkable performance throughout the tournament ensured they remained dominant in the 11th edition of the Under-21 Men’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup.
India's Journey to the Final: Results and Scores
- Pool A: India 11-0 Thailand
- Pool A: India 3-2 Japan
- Pool A: India 16-0 Chinese Taipei
- Pool A: India 8-1 South Korea
- Semi-finals: India 3-1 Malaysia
- Final: India 5-3 Pakistan
