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The Indian hockey team took down Pakistan with a scoreline of 5-3 to lift their fifth Men’s Junior Asia Cup title on Wednesday, December 4, in Muscat. This victory marked India’s third consecutive title and fifth overall following triumphs in 2004, 2008, 2015, and 2023. Both sides had locked in the previous final too, where Men in Blue moved past their neighbours with a margin of 2-1.
The summit clash saw Araijeet Singh Hundal slamming four goals to stun the rivals, who were also untouched during the group stages. Singh converted three penalty corners in the fourth, 18th and 54th minutes, as well as finding the net from the field efforts in the 47th minute. India’s another goal came from Dilraj Singh in the 19th minute of the game. On the other hand, Sufiyan Khan converted two penalty corners, in the 30th and 39th minute, respectively, while Hannan Shahid scored from field in the third minute.
India, Pakistan engage in furious battle in Men’s Asia Cup Final
The game saw India and Pakistan engage in a fiery battle and gave a tough fight to each other for possession of the ball in the first quarter. India upped their game in the second quarter and secured a second penalty corner in the 18th minute of the game before Araijeet struck again with a powerful flick. A fine field goal by Dilraj in the 19th minute helped India extend their lead to 3-1.
India secured their third penalty corner in the 47th minute of the game, but Araijeet’s efforts were saved by Pakistan goalie Muhammad Janjua. India gave in their all in the final 10 minutes and ended up securing some penalty corners as Araijeet once again did a goal to make the scoreline 5-3.
