Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2024: India defeats Pakistan 5-3 in finals to win its fifth title
In a spectacular display of skill and resilience, the Indian junior men’s hockey team defeated Pakistan 5-3 in the final of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2024, held in Muscat, Oman. This victory marks India’s record-breaking fifth title win in the prestigious tournament, adding to their previous triumphs in 2004, 2008, 2015, and 2023.
A Historic Win
The match, held on Wednesday, showcased India’s dominance and tactical brilliance. Hockey India celebrated the achievement by announcing a cash reward of ₹2 lakh for each player and ₹1 lakh for each support staff member, recognizing their exceptional performance and title defense.
Match Highlights
The game started with Pakistan taking an early lead. Shahid Hannan, Pakistan’s captain, capitalized on a stray ball in India’s shooting circle and scored past goalkeeper Bikramjeet Singh. India, however, responded swiftly. Araijeet Singh Hundal’s powerful drag flick from a penalty corner leveled the score, setting the tone for an intense contest.
The first quarter ended with both teams making circle entries but failing to convert them into goals. Early in the second quarter, India earned another penalty corner. Araijeet once again delivered, finding a gap between Pakistan’s goalkeeper Muhammad Janjua and the postman to give India the lead. Shortly after, Dilraj Singh showcased his dribbling prowess, beating two defenders to score and extend India’s advantage to 3-1.
Pakistan fought back, with Sufyan Khan’s drag flick narrowing the margin to 3-2 by halftime. As the match progressed, both teams continued to exchange attacking plays. Pakistan equalized in the third quarter through another penalty corner conversion by Sufyan Khan, setting up a nail-biting final quarter.
The Decisive Final Quarter
India’s hunger for victory shone through in the last quarter. Manmeet Singh’s deft maneuvering led to a perfect assist for Araijeet, who completed his hat-trick with a brilliant deflection. Minutes later, a penalty corner variation allowed Araijeet to strike again, sealing the game with a score of 5-3. Despite Pakistan’s late attempts, Indian goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh’s heroic saves ensured the win.
Celebrating a Legacy
India’s victory in the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2024 is not just a testament to the team’s talent but also to their strategic preparation and composure under pressure. The players’ remarkable performance highlights the growing strength of Indian hockey on the international stage.
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey applauded the team, stating, “This win reflects the hard work, dedication, and passion of our young players and support staff. They have made the nation proud.”
Looking Ahead
With this victory, India continues to set new benchmarks in junior hockey, paving the way for a bright future in the sport. The team’s triumph in Oman is sure to inspire the next generation of players and reinforce India’s position as a powerhouse in world hockey.