Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024: India claim 5th title beating arch-rivals Pakistan - Check Complete List of Winners

The Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team successfully defended their title at the Junior Asia Cup, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 in a thrilling final on Wednesday in Muscat, Oman.

Araijeet Singh Hundal was the star of the match, scoring four goals (4', 18', 47', 54') while Dilraj Singh (19') also contributed to India's dominant performance. Pakistan's Shahid Hannan (3') and Sufyan Khan (30', 39') fought valiantly but fell short in a high-intensity contest.

India secured their 5th Hockey Junior Asia Cup — (Image Courtesy: Hockey India)

This victory marks India's record fifth Junior Asia Cup triumph, adding to their previous wins in 2023, 2015, 2008, and 2004. Hockey India announced a cash reward of ₹2 lakhs for each player and ₹1 lakh for the support staff in recognition of their stellar performance.

The final started with Pakistan striking first as captain Shahid Hannan capitalized on a loose ball to beat Indian goalkeeper Bikramjeet Singh. However, India equalized moments later when Araijeet converted a penalty corner with a powerful drag flick. Araijeet doubled India's lead in the second quarter with another clinical flick, and Dilraj extended the advantage to 3-1 with a brilliant solo effort.

Pakistan's Sufyan Khan kept his team in contention, scoring from a penalty corner just before halftime to make it 3-2.

The third quarter saw both teams trading chances, with Pakistan's goalkeeper Muhammad Janjua pulling off crucial saves. Sufyan struck again in the 39th minute to level the score at 3-3, setting the stage for a nail-biting final quarter.

India regained control in the fourth quarter, with Manmeet Singh setting up Araijeet for his hat-trick to restore the lead. Araijeet sealed the win with a penalty corner variation, hammering the ball into the top corner to make it 5-3. Late attempts from Pakistan were thwarted by Indian goalie Prince Deep Singh, securing India's historic victory.

Hockey Men's Junior Asia Cup Complete List of Winners

This is India's 5th Junior Asia Cup title and they are the most successful team. India is followed by Pakistan who has won three titles. South Korea and Malaysia have also won one title each.

Team	Winners	Runners-up	Third place	Fourth place
India	5 (2004, 2008*, 2015, 2023, 2024)	2 (1996, 2000)	2 (1987, 2012)	1 (1992)
Pakistan	3 (1987*, 1992, 1996)	5 (2004*, 2012, 2015, 2023, 2024)	1 (2008)	-
South Korea	1 (2000)	2 (1987, 2008)	4 (1992, 2004, 2015, 2023)	2 (1996, 2012)
Malaysia	1 (2012*)	1 (1992*)	1 (2000*)	4 (1987, 2004, 2023, 2024)
Japan	-	2 (1996, 2024)	3 (2000, 2008, 2015)	-