MUSCAT, Oman: India defeated Pakistan 5-3 in the final of the Men’s Junior Hockey Asia Cup 2024 on Wednesday in Muscat, Oman to clinch a record-extending fifth title.
The high-stakes final between the arch-rivals showcased remarkable skill and resilience as both teams fought to the last whistle.
India’s Araijeet Singh Hundal emerged as the star of the evening, scoring four goals, including three crucial penalty corner conversions and one from open play. His stellar performance ensured India’s third consecutive title win in the tournament, following triumphs in 2015 and 2023.
Pakistan began the match with great momentum as their captain, Hannan Shahid, gave them an early lead just three minutes into the game.
However, India wasted no time responding, with Hundal equalizing in the very next minute. The first quarter ended with the teams locked at 1-1.
The defending champions dominated the second quarter, seizing control through quick goals by Dilraj Singh and Hundal in the 18th and 19th minutes, respectively, to establish a 3-1 lead.
Pakistan, however, staged a spirited comeback in the third quarter, levelling the match at 3-3 with a brace from Sufyan Khan, who converted penalty corners in the 30th and 39th minutes.
ALSO READ: Pakistan’s Spin Bowler Sufiyan Muqeem Sets New T20I Record
With the score tied heading into the decisive fourth quarter, India raised their game. Hundal scored two more goals—one from open play in the 47th minute and another penalty corner in the 54th—to put the match out of Pakistan’s reach.
Both teams entered the final with unbeaten records, heightening the stakes in this historic showdown. With this victory, India now won five Asia Cup titles in 2004, 2008, 2015, 2023, and 2024. The tournament was not held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
