Indian Hockey in recent years has taken a rise. The Men’s team has won the bronze medal in the two successive years of the Olympics. They recently won the Asian Championship beating China. It has been the best year of Hockey for the nation. Now, the junior team also has shined in the Asian circuit. Indian hockey team defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 in the final of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2024.
India claimed a record-extending fifth title, in Muscat, Oman on Wednesday. Previously, India won the crown in 2004, 2008, 2015 and 2023. Araijeet Singh Hundal slammed four goals to defeat arch-rivals Pakistan. The tournament was not held in 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic. Araijeet converted three penalty corners in the fourth, 18th, and 54th minutes, and also scored from a field effort in the 47th minute. Dilraj Singh was the other goal scorer.
Sufyan Khan of Pakistan converted two penalty corners in the 30th and 39th minutes, while Hannan Shahid scored from the field in the third minute. Earlier that day, Japan defeated Malaysia 2-1 to take third place. Hockey India said that from hard work to heroics, our young stars have once again shown the world why India is a powerhouse in hockey.
India’s Junior Hockey Team too strong
In the first quarter, there was little to distinguish between India and Pakistan as both teams competed hard for ball possession. The first quarter’s highlight was the use of long passes by both teams. But Pakistan had the first laugh, scoring in the third minute with a field goal from Shahid. India did not sit back and earned their first penalty corner seconds later.
Araijeet stepped up to equalise with a tremendous drag-flick to the right of Pakistan’s goalkeeper. India improved their game in the second quarter, securing their second penalty corner in the 18th minute, and Araijeet scored again with a strong flick. Coach P R Sreejesh was proud of his boys. The legendary goalkeeper recently retired after winning the Olympic bronze medal in Paris.
