OMAN: The Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team reigned supreme as they beat nemesis Pakistan 2-1 in a thrilling Final match of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 here in Salalah, Oman. Early goals by Angad Bir Singh (13′) and Araijeet Singh Hundal (20′) ensured India remained in command of the game while some outstanding saves by goalkeeper Shashikumar Mohith Honnenahalli kept India in the lead throughout the match.
With this victory, India has created a new record of winning the maximum titles at the Men’s Junior Asia Cup. The team had previously won the title in 2004, 2008 and 2015 while Pakistan has won the tournament in 1988, 1992, 1996.
Recognizing the team’s effort and their unbeaten record in the prestigious tournament which saw them qualify for the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup in Malaysia, the Hockey India Executive Board announced a cash award of INR 2 lakh each for players and INR 1 lakh each for support staff.
Congratulating the team, Hockey India president, Dilip Tirkey said, “The Indian Junior Men’s team has made us all extremely proud with their unbeaten performance at the Junior Asia Cup. The team has shown great promise over the past few months, particularly after their historic win at the Sultan of Johor Cup they have become a dominate force and I believe this big win will hold them in good stead for the Junior World Cup later this year. Hockey India has decided to honour the players for this feat with a befitting cash award. I congratulate the team and the support staff for their efforts.”
