India beats Pakistan in Junior Hockey Asia Cup final

MUSCAT:  In a thrilling Junior Hockey Asia Cup final, India defeated Pakistan 5-3 to lift the title for the fifth time. Pakistan, who fought hard throughout the tournament, had to settle for the silver medal.

The final was an intense, back-and-forth battle between the arch-rivals. By the end of the third quarter, the score was tied at 3-3. But in the final quarter, India proved to be the stronger team, scoring two more goals to take the lead and secure the win.

Despite creating several scoring opportunities, Pakistan couldn’t capitalize on them. India’s Arjit Singh Hundal was the star of the match, scoring four goals. For Pakistan, Sufyan Khan scored twice, and Hannan Shahid added one goal.

The game was neck-and-neck until the third quarter, but India’s powerful performance in the final moments earned them the gold medal.

Pakistan secured their place in the finals with the heart-stopping 4-2 victory over Japan. Proving why he is the captain, Hannan Shahid was instrumental in winning the semifinals. The 19-year-old secured two critical goals to keep his team in the lead.

Teammates Ali Basharat and Sufyan Khan each netted a goal to propel the Green Shirts into the finals. Sufyan Khan also scored the most number of goals in this tournament (10).

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On the other hand, India advanced to the final after a closely fought 3-1 win against Malaysia. Dilraj Singh scored a goal within ten minutes of the semifinals.

Sharda Nand Tiwari and Rohit also scored a goal each to help their team reach the finals.

Malaysia’s Kamaruddin Azimuddin was the only one from his side to put up a commendable fight against India. He secured the lone goal for his side.

Both teams performed exceptionally well, ensuring South Asians dominated both pools of the Junior Hockey Asia Cup 2024.

The Indian team were defending champions, having won the tournament most number of times.