Junior Men’s Asia Cup 2023: The Indian hockey team defeated archrival Pakistan 2-1 in the final of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 in Salalah, Oman.
India’s junior men’s hockey team maintained their continental dominance on Thursday, defeating arch-rival Pakistan 2-1 to win the Asia Cup for the fourth time. Angad Bir Singh (13th minute) and Araijeet Singh Hundal (20th minute) scored for India, while Abdul Basharat (37th minute) scored for Pakistan. India had won the tournament three times previously, in 2004, 2008, and 2015. Pakistan has won the tournament three times: in 1987, 1992, and 1996.
With the accolades comes the rewards 🤩
Hockey India rewards the Players and Staff for their fantastic achievement by offering a cash prize of Rs. 2 lakhs for each Player and 1 lakh for each Support Staff of the Junior Men’s Hockey Team.#HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame #AsiaCup2023… pic.twitter.com/U53vOZGLHy
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) June 1, 2023
Recognising the team’s efforts and unbeaten record in the prestigious tournament that saw the country qualify for the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup in Malaysia, the Hockey India Executive Board announced a cash award of Rs 2 lakh for each player and Rs 1 lakh for each support staff member.
Both teams looked dangerous from the start in front of a near-capacity crowd at the Salalah Sports Complex, but Angad Bir Singh’s strike in the 13th minute helped India get on the board. Araijeet Singh Hundal, India’s top scorer in the Men’s Junior Asia Cup hockey 2023, doubled the lead five minutes into the second quarter.
Despite Pakistan’s relentless pursuit of a comeback, India had more meaningful possession. Indian custodian HS Mohith made a spectacular save to keep India ahead going into the second half. Pakistan kept pressing, but India’s defense was up to the task. However, in the 38th minute, Abdul Shahid’s desperate crossfield shot was deflected by Basharat Ali and made it 2-1.