Muscat, Oman, Dec 4 (UNI) Araijeet Singh Hundal’s stunning four-goal performance guided India to a 5-3 victory over Pakistan in the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2024 final, as the defending champions clinched their fifth title.
The win also marked a historic hat-trick of titles for India, becoming only the second team to achieve this feat.
Hundal was the standout player, scoring four goals, three of them from penalty corners, showcasing his skill and versatility. His performance proved crucial as Pakistan, which had fought back in the first half, but were unable to overcome India’s lead. Dilraj Singh also contributed with a brilliant finish to add to India’s tally.
Pakistan, trailing 3-1 at half-time, made a strong comeback through Sufyan Khan, who converted a penalty corner just before the break to reduce the deficit. The teams had earlier exchanged goals in a dramatic first quarter, with Hannan Shahid opening the scoring for Pakistan and Hundal equalising for India.
Despite Pakistan's efforts, including a strong run by Shahid in the second half, Hundal’s hat-trick and his fourth goal sealed the deal for India. Pakistan’s attempts to fight back were thwarted by solid defending and key saves from goalkeeper Prince Deep.
With this victory, India not only secured their fifth Men’s Junior Asia Cup title but also reinforced their dominance in junior men’s hockey, continuing their remarkable legacy in the tournament. UNI BDN SSP