The Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team reigned supreme as they beat nemesis Pakistan 2-1 in an exhilarating Final match of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2023. in Salalah, Oman. Early objectives by Angad Bir Singh (13′) and Araijeet Singh Hundal (20′) ensured India remained in charge of the sport whereas some excellent saves by goalkeeper Shashikumar Mohith Honnenahalli saved India within the lead all through the match. With this victory, India has created a brand new file of successful the utmost titles on the Men’s Junior Asia Cup. The group had beforehand gained the title in 2004, 2008 and 2015 whereas Pakistan has gained the match in 1988, 1992, 1996.

Recognizing the group’s effort and their unbeaten file within the prestigious match which noticed them qualify for the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup in Malaysia, the Hockey India Executive Board introduced a money award of INR 2.00 Lakh every for gamers and INR 1.00 Lakh every for help employees.

Congratulating the group, Hockey India President Padma Shri Dilip Tirkey mentioned, “The Indian Junior Men’s team has made us all extremely proud with their unbeaten performance at the Junior Asia Cup. The team has shown great promise over the past few months, particularly after their historic win at the Sultan of Johor Cup they have become a dominate force and I believe this big win will hold them in good stead for the Junior World Cup later this year. Hockey India has decided to honour the players for this feat with a befitting cash award. I congratulate the team and the support staff for their efforts.”

An elated Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh additionally wished the group on their profitable marketing campaign. “The team showcased great character and spirit of the game in every match. The team’s continued success at the Junior Asia Cup is a testimony to Hockey India’s national program for the U21. I congratulate the team and the support staff for keeping up the Indian team’s record intact at the Junior Asia Cup.”

Going into the Final on the again of a stupendous 9-1 win towards South Korea within the Semi-Final match, India rode on confidence to get off to a roaring begin. They pushed Pakistan on the backfoot with early alternatives to attain. They capitalized on their opponents’ errors within the circle and punished them by changing the PC earned within the thirteenth minute. While it was Araijeet Singh Hundal who took a robust shot on aim, Angad Bir Singh was fast on his ft to select up the rebound and discover a excellent deflection.

While the opening aim put India in command, a aim by Araijeet within the twentieth minute helped in placing strain on the Pakistani defence.

In the next quarter, the 2 groups lived as much as the billing producing some tense moments that saved the full-house Salalah viewers on their toes. Backed by a powerful Pakistani fanbase, they have been capable of lastly make a breakthrough within the thirty eighth minute when Basharat Ali labored an excellent subject aim.

Though Pakistan discovered plenty of alternatives to attain by way of PCs within the final quarter, India custodian Shashikumar Mohith Honnenahalli made some sensational saves to maintain India forward.

It was a nail-biting end, as Pakistan pushed for that elusive equaliser. But the spirited India Colts held their nerves to clinch the title in type and create historical past by clinching the fourth title on this prestigious competitors.

“We wanted to win at any cost”

Speaking concerning the tense Final, India Colts Captain Uttam Singh who was awarded the Player of the Match mentioned, “After the 1-1 draw in the round robin stage, we were very aware of the areas we had to do well in order to beat Pakistan. It was quite a nervous Final. The team had never played in front of such a big crowd but I think created early goals helped us stay in control of the game.”

Experienced India Coach CR Kumar expressed that it was a very good group effort. “It came down to executing our opportunities. Though I feel we could have scored a few more goals, when you are playing a big opponent like Pakistan there is a lot of pressure. But I am very happy with the way the players controlled their emotions and played to their potential.”