India clinches title for the 4th time, Beats Pak to become Hockey Junior Asia Cup Champions

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• Jun 2, 2023 | Poonam Nath

This was India's fourth victory, having previously been declared champions in 2004, 2008, and...

Digital Desk: The Indian junior men's hockey team kept their continental supremacy by defeating archrival Pakistan 2-1 on Thursday to win the Asia Cup. Angad Bir Singh scored in the 13th minute and Araijeet Singh Hundal scored in the 20th for India, and Abdul Basharat scored in the 37th for Pakistan.

This was India's fourth victory, having previously been declared champions in 2004, 2008, and 2015. In the meanwhile, Pakistan has won the event three times: in 1987, 1992, and 1996.

India went on the offence right away, getting a fast penalty corner with their first move. Sundeep Chirmako approached from the left wing and found the feet of a Pakistani defender, but the resulting chance was missed. 

India's goals came from Angad Bir Singh (13th minute) and Araijeet Singh Hundal (20th minute), while Pakistan's came from Abdul Basharat (37th minute). India had previously won the championship three times, in 2004, 2008, and 2015. Pakistan has three times won the tournament: in 1987, 1992, and 1996.

The Hockey India Executive Board issued a financial award of Rs 2 lakh for each player and Rs 1 lakh for each support staff member in recognition of the team's efforts and unbroken record in the prestigious competition that saw the country qualify for the FIH Men's Junior World Cup in Malaysia.

Despite Pakistan's persistent chase of a comeback, India had the upper hand. HS Mohith, the Indian custodian, made an outstanding save to maintain India ahead going into the second half. Pakistan kept pressing, but India's defence held firm. In the 38th minute, though, Abdul Shahid's desperation crossfield attempt was deflected by Basharat Ali, making the score 2-1.

Pakistan's repeated attacks forced India to devote more resources to defence in the fourth quarter. Despite numerous penalty corners and dominating possession, Pakistan was unable to penetrate India's defensive wall, commanded by custodian HS Mohith, which led India to win the title.