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India secured their third consecutive men’s junior Asia Cup title on Wednesday, defeating rivals Pakistan 5-3 in a thrilling final in Muscat. This victory marks India’s fifth junior Asia Cup championship, adding to their previous wins in 2004, 2008, 2015, and 2023. The 2021 tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Araijeet Singh Hundal led India’s scoring with four goals, three from penalty corners and one from open play. Dilraj Singh contributed another goal for the winning side.
Pakistan’s goals came from Sufyan Khan, who converted two penalty corners, and Hannan Shahid, who scored a field goal.
In the earlier match, Japan secured third place with a 2-1 victory over Malaysia.
The first quarter was a closely contested affair, with both teams vying for possession and showcasing impressive aerial passing skills.
Pakistan drew first blood in the third minute with Hannan Shahid’s field goal.
India responded swiftly, earning a penalty corner shortly after. Araijeet Singh Hundal stepped up and leveled the score with a powerful drag-flick.
India increased the pressure in the second quarter. They earned another penalty corner in the 18th minute, which Araijeet converted to give India a 2-1 lead.
A minute later, Dilraj Singh extended India’s advantage with a field goal, making it 3-1.
Pakistan fought back, narrowing the gap to 3-2 with a penalty corner conversion by Sufyan Khan in the 30th minute.
The second half saw Pakistan continue their resurgence. They equalized in the 39th minute through another penalty corner conversion by Sufyan Khan, bringing the score to 3-3.
India regained the lead in the 47th minute. Although Araijeet’s initial penalty corner attempt was saved, he quickly followed up with a field goal to make it 4-3.
In the final ten minutes, India maintained their offensive pressure, earning several penalty corners. Araijeet completed his impressive performance by converting another penalty corner, securing India’s 5-3 victory and the championship.
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