India Wins 5th Junior Hockey Asia Cup, Beats Pakistan 5-3

In a thrilling showdown in Muscat, the Indian men’s junior hockey team defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 to secure their fifth Junior Asia Cup title and their third consecutive championship on December 4, 2024. This victory adds another feather to India’s illustrious hockey cap, with previous title wins in 2004, 2008, 2015, and 2023. The hero of the match was Araijeet Singh Hundal, who scored four remarkable goals, leading India to a historic triumph.

Historic Victory

• India secured their fifth Men’s Junior Asia Cup title, completing a hat-trick of consecutive victories (2015, 2023, and 2024).
• The win was achieved against Pakistan, their arch-rivals, who were also undefeated in the tournament until the final.

Match Overview

• Final Score: India 5 – 3 Pakistan.
• Venue: Muscat, Oman.

Heroic Performance by Araijeet Singh Hundal

Scored four goals, including three penalty corners and one field goal,

• 4th Minute: Converted the first penalty corner.
• 18th Minute: Scored another penalty corner.
• 47th Minute: Netted a field goal after a missed penalty corner attempt.
• 54th Minute: Sealed the victory with his third penalty corner conversion.

Hundal’s remarkable performance proved decisive in India’s win.

Other Goal Contributions

• Dilraj Singh: Scored a field goal in the 19th minute.

Pakistan’s Fightback

• Sufyan Khan: Scored two goals (30th and 39th minutes) from penalty corners.
• Hannan Shahid: Scored a field goal in the 3rd minute.

Balanced Competition

• Both teams displayed high intensity, especially in the first quarter.
• India gained momentum in the second quarter, turning the game in their favor.

Bronze Medal Match

• Japan: Defeated Malaysia 2-1 to claim the third spot in the tournament.