MOQI, SEP 11 (IANS): The Indian junior men’s hockey team produced a composed and determined performance to defeat Malaysia 3–1 in the first semifinal of the AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026, booking their place in the final for the fourth consecutive time.
Captain Anmol Ekka once again led from the front, scoring twice from penalty corners to take his tournament tally to 16 goals, cementing his position as the top scorer. His drag-flicks proved decisive in breaking Malaysia’s resistance.
Equally influential was goalkeeper Vivek Lakra, who was named Player of the Match. Lakra made a series of outstanding saves, including a crucial penalty stroke stop, ensuring India remained in control throughout the contest.
India began aggressively, with Ajeet Yadav coming close twice in the opening minutes. Despite earning three penalty corners early on, Malaysian goalkeeper Amsyar Mohamad Adib denied India with sharp saves. Malaysia struggled to retain possession and were confined to defending, though they managed a late attempt in the first quarter that lacked power and direction.
The breakthrough came in the 16th minute when Ekka’s low flick from a penalty corner beat Amsyar to give India a 1–0 lead. Malaysia responded immediately, forcing Lakra into a brilliant save and earning their first penalty corner, but India’s defence held firm. India nearly doubled their lead before halftime but went into the break 1–0 ahead.
The third quarter saw Malaysia increase pressure. Lakra produced a stunning double save in the 34th minute and another stop moments later. India were reduced to 10 players twice, with Manmeet Singh Rai and Prabhdeep Singh receiving yellow cards, but Malaysia failed to capitalise on their penalty corners.
India extended their lead in the 51st minute when Sukhvinder finished a circle entry to make it 2–0. Malaysia were then awarded a penalty stroke in the 53rd minute, but Lakra dived sharply to his left to deny them.
India immediately countered, earning another penalty corner in the 54th minute. Ekka powered his flick past the goalkeeper to make it 3–0.
Malaysia earned a succession of penalty corners in the closing minutes, but Lakra and the Indian defence stood resolute. With just 24 seconds remaining, M Rahuul scored a consolation goal from Malaysia’s eighth penalty corner, but India had already sealed victory.
India, the defending champions chasing their fourth consecutive and sixth overall title, will face the winners of the second semifinal between Pakistan and South Korea.
This 600-word summary captures the flow of the match, the standout performances of Ekka and Lakra, and India’s march into yet another Asia Cup final.
