Report by Samyukta Mallick
Salalah, Oman June 1: The Indian hockey team won 2-1 to Pakistan in the finals of the Men’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2023. The event was hosted at Salalah in Oman.
After the 1-1 draw, Araijeet Singh Hundal from India scored at the 13th minute. Player of the Match was awarded to Uttam Singh, captain of the Indian team. HS Mohith was given the award of Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
In the tournament’s semi-finals, India defeated Republic of Korea in a game of 9-1. Pakistan won against Malaysia 6-2 to make it into the finals.
This is India’s fourth win in this tournament. The previous titles were in 2004, 2008 and 2015. Pakistan is the tournament’s second-most successful team, having won it thrice in the past. Their last win was in 1996.
What is the tournament’s history?
This year was the 10th Hockey Junior Asia Cup tournament. The tournament’s top three winners qualify for the 2023 FIH Junior World Cup. This tournament is organized by the Asia Hockey Federation. This year, it took place from 23rd May to 1st June. This tournament was held after eight years, having been cancelled in 2021.