Men’s Junior Asia Cup hockey 2023 final: India beat Pakistan 2-1 in cliffhanger to win title

The Indian hockey team eked out a close 2-1 win over arch-rivals Pakistan in the final of the Men's Junior Asia Cup 2023 in Salalah, Oman on Thursday to successfully defend its title.

Playing in front of a near-capacity crowd at the Salalah Sports Complex, both teams looked threatening from the start but Angad Bir Singh’s strike in the 13th minute helped India get on the scoresheet.

Araijeet Singh Hundal, India’s top-scorer at Men’s Junior Asia Cup hockey 2023 with eight goals, doubled the lead five minutes into the second quarter.

Though Pakistan were relentless in their pursuit of pulling one back, India had more meaningful possession. A brilliant save from Indian goalkeeper HS Mohith protected India’s lead going into the second half.

Pakistan kept pressing forward but Indian defence was equal to the task. However, Abdul Shahid’s desperate crossfield shot in the 38th minute found the deflection of Basharat Ali and made it 2-1

Pakistan’s sustained attacks forced India to commit numbers in defence in the fourth quarter.

Despite earning multiple penalty corners and keeping most of the possession, Pakistan could not break the defensive wall led by goalkeeper HS Mohith and India managed to hold onto their lead and win the trophy. HS Mohith was named the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

"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," said India captain Uttam Singh, who was awarded the Player of the Match. "It was quite a nervous final. The team had never played in front of such a big crowd but I think the early goals helped us stay in control of the game."

This was India’s fourth title at Men's Junior Asia Cup, having won it previously in 2004, 2008 and 2015. Pakistan are the second-most successful team in the tournament with three titles but their last win came 27 years ago in 1996.

Earlier, India and Pakistan, pitted in the same pool, remained undefeated in the group stage after the India vs Pakistan hockey match ended in a 1-1 draw. India, however, managed to top the group as they had a better goal difference over second-placed Pakistan.

In the semi-finals, India trounced the Republic of Korea 9-1 while Pakistan defeated Malaysia 6-2.

The Men's Junior Asia Cup hockey tournament in Oman was held after eight years. The 2021 edition was cancelled due to COVID-19.