MOQI (CHINA), SEP 13 (IANS): India’s junior men’s hockey team created history by winning a record-extending sixth Junior Hockey Asia Cup title after defeating South Korea 4-1 in the final at the Moqi Training Base in China on Sunday. The victory also marked India’s fourth consecutive continental triumph, securing their qualification for the upcoming FIH Junior Hockey World Cup.
The men’s team dominated the final from the outset. Ajeet Yadav opened the scoring in the ninth minute, followed by Anmol Ekka’s strike in the 13th minute to give India a 2-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. Prabhdeep Singh added a third in the 21st minute, ensuring India went into halftime with a commanding 3-0 advantage. Ashu Maurya extended the lead in the 50th minute, effectively sealing the contest. South Korea’s Lee Minhyeok pulled one back in the 54th minute, but it was too late to alter the outcome. With this win, India broke their tie with Pakistan, who had previously won three consecutive titles, and reinforced their status as the most successful team in the tournament’s history. Pakistan remain second with three titles, while Korea and Malaysia have won once each.
India’s women’s team also celebrated success, clinching their third successive Junior Asia Cup title after edging hosts China 1-0 in a tense final. Sanika Chandrakant Mane scored the decisive goal in the 17th minute, helping India retain the crown and secure a spot in the FIH Junior World Cup. The women’s team, under newly appointed coach Tim White, displayed resilience throughout the match, maintaining their slender lead despite China’s persistent attacks.
India’s women had earlier showcased their attacking prowess in the tournament, thrashing Pakistan 19-0 in the quarterfinals and beating South Korea 5-1 in the semifinals. They finished the pool stage unbeaten, topping the Elite Pool with 10 points from three wins and a draw. Hockey India announced cash rewards of Rs 3 lakh for each player and Rs 1.5 lakh for each support staff member in recognition of their achievement.
The twin victories underline India’s dominance in junior hockey across both men’s and women’s categories. The men’s team now holds six titles, including four consecutive wins, while the women’s team has equalled China and South Korea with three championships. These triumphs highlight the depth of talent and structured training programmes that continue to strengthen India’s position in Asian hockey.
India’s double success at Moqi not only reinforces their continental supremacy but also sets the stage for strong campaigns at the upcoming FIH Junior World Cups. The victories serve as a testament to the teams’ preparation, skill, and determination, while also inspiring the next generation of hockey players in the country.
