Araijeet's four-goal masterclass secures India's 5th Men's Junior Asia Cup title

India claimed their fifth men's Junior Asia Cup title by defeating Pakistan 5-3 in a thrilling final held in Muscat. Araijeet Singh Hundal was the star of the match, scoring four goals, including a hat-trick from penalty corners. This victory secured India’s third consecutive Junior Asia Cup title, with previous wins in 2004, 2008, 2015, and 2023. The 2021 edition was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Araijeet delivered a masterful performance, scoring in the 4th, 18th, and 54th minutes from penalty corners and adding another field goal in the 47th minute. Dilraj Singh contributed one goal, while Pakistan’s goals came from Sufyan Khan, who converted two penalty corners, and Hannan Shahid, who scored a field goal in the 3rd minute.

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A thrilling match with fierce competition

The match began with intense action as both teams fought for possession. Pakistan took an early lead in the 3rd minute with Shahid's field goal. India quickly responded, earning their first penalty corner moments later, which Araijeet converted with a powerful drag-flick.

In the second quarter, India dominated. Araijeet scored again from another penalty corner in the 18th minute, followed by a brilliant field goal from Dilraj Singh to make it 3-1. However, Pakistan narrowed the gap just before halftime with Sufyan Khan’s penalty corner conversion.

The second half saw Pakistan leveling the score 3-3 in the 39th minute through another penalty corner by Sufyan. Despite Pakistan’s improved performance, India regained control in the final quarter. Araijeet struck a stunning field goal in the 47th minute and added another penalty corner goal in the 54th minute, securing India’s victory.

India’s win marked a dominant performance in the tournament, with their superior penalty corner conversions and attacking play proving decisive. Earlier in the day, Japan defeated Malaysia 2-1 to secure third place in the competition.