New Delhi || 05-12-2024
India beat Pakistan 5-3 in the high scoring Final of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup in Muscat, Oman to successfully defend their title on 4 December 2024. Araijeet Singh Hundal (4’, 18’, 47’, 54’) was in top form for India and Dilraj Singh (19’) scored a goal to join him on the scoresheet; while Pakistan’s Captain Shahid Hannan (3’) and Sufyan Khan (30’, 39’) scored to give a tough fight.
India has now won this tournament for a record five times, including their previous triumphs in 2023, 2015, 2008 and 2004. Hockey India, on this occasion, announced a cash reward of 2 lakhs to each player and 1 lakh to each support staff for their impeccable title defence and dominating performances.
While India were settling into the game, Pakistan’s Captain Shahid Hannan pounced on a stray ball in the shooting circle and beat Bikramjeet Singh in a one on one to steal a goal for Pakistan. India responded immediately by earning a penalty corner and Araijeet Singh Hundal unleashed a powerful drag flick to the right top corner to restore parity. Both teams went on to trade circle entries without finding the back of the net till the end of the first quarter with score line 1-1.
Within three minutes of the second quarter, India were awarded another penalty corner and Araijeet stepped up again, finding the gap between Pakistan’s goalkeeper Muhammad Janjua and the post man with a thunderous drag flick to give India the lead. Then Indian forwards continuously pressured Pakistan’s defense.As a result Dilraj weaved past two defenders on the left wing and struck the board, extending India’s lead to 3-1. Although Pakistan mounted occasional attacks on the Indian goal and earned a penalty corner as the first half came to a close, Sufyan Khan showcased his drag flicking skills, beating Bikramjit Singh in goal to make it 3-2.
Araijeet created two chances in quick succession in the third quarter but Pakistan’s goalkeeper Muhammad Janjua pulled out amazing saves on both occasions to keep Pakistan in the match. With six minutes left in the quarter, Sufyan Khan flicked the ball into the Indian goal from a penalty corner and ensured Pakistan headed into the last quarter, level on score 3-3.
As soon as the last quarter began, India seized the initiative. Manmeet Singh skillfully maneuvered past his marker and found an unmarked Araijeet in front of the goal, who deflected the ball into goal to restore India’s lead and complete his hat-trick. With ten minutes to go, Zikriya Hayat embarked on a counter-attack, but Indian goalie Prince Deep Singh rushed out to avert any further danger. And with six minutes left in the game, India earned a penalty corner and employed a variation to free up Araijeet, who smashed the ball into the top right corner with his flick, making it 5-3 for India.
As the game headed to a close, Hannan Shahid carved out a significant goal-scoring opportunity, but Prince Deep stood firm in goal, swatting away the attempt and sealing India’s victory.
On this magnificent performance Hockey India, announced a cash reward of 2 lakhs to each player and 1 lakh to each support staff for their impeccable title defence and dominating performances.
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has congratulated the Indian Men’s Junior Hockey Team on winning the Junior Asia Cup 2024.
The Prime Minister posted on X:
“Proud of our hockey champions!
It’s a historic moment for Indian hockey as our Men’s Junior Team wins the Junior Asia Cup 2024 title. Their unmatched skill, unwavering grit and incredible teamwork have etched this win into the annals of sporting glory.
Congratulations to the young champions and best wishes for their future endeavours.”
Proud of our hockey champions!
It’s a historic moment for Indian hockey as our Men’s Junior Team wins the Junior Asia Cup 2024 title. Their unmatched skill, unwavering grit and incredible teamwork have etched this win into the annals of sporting glory.
Congratulations to the… https://t.co/5AHMuuNPtR
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 5, 2024
On this magnificent performance and winning the Men’s Asian Juniors Title, Hockey India, announced a cash reward of 2 lakhs to each player and 1 lakh to each support staff for their impeccable title defence and dominating performances.
