India Sub-Junior Boys Crush Pakistan After Oman Rout at FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship; Girls Fall to China

The Indian Sub-Junior Boys' Team enjoyed a memorable outing at the FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship 2026 in Muscat on Friday, recording two emphatic victories, including a commanding 7-3 triumph over traditional rivals Pakistan after earlier dismantling hosts Oman 10-1.

The Indian Sub-Junior Girls, however, were unable to maintain their impressive first-half display, slipping to a 6-3 defeat against China in an Elite Pool encounter.

India's biggest statement came against Pakistan, where the boys controlled proceedings from the outset. Romit Pal opened the scoring in the eighth minute before Karan Gautam and skipper Ketan Kushwaha struck in quick succession in the 10th minute to hand India a comfortable 3-0 lead at the break.

Prahalad Rajbhar made it 4-0 soon after the restart, putting India firmly in command. Pakistan attempted to reduce the deficit through Muhammad Usman, who scored twice, and captain Adeel, but India remained dominant. Shahrukh Ali, Rahul Yadav and Kushwaha all found the net in the second half to complete an impressive 7-3 victory.

Earlier in the day, India delivered a clinical attacking display against hosts Oman. The visitors raced to a 6-0 half-time advantage with Karan Gautam opening the scoring before Shahrukh Ali and Ketan Kushwaha both struck twice. Prahalad Rajbhar also added his name to the scoresheet as India overwhelmed the hosts.

India maintained the pressure after the interval, with Kushwaha completing a four-goal performance by scoring twice more. Gautam and Rajbhar each grabbed their second goals of the match, while Oman managed only a late consolation through Khazraj Subait Subait Al-Mashrafi in the closing moments as India wrapped up a dominant 10-1 win.

The Indian girls produced a spirited first-half performance against China, matching their opponents goal for goal to head into the interval level at 3-3. Sandeepa Kumari put India ahead inside the opening minute, while Kiran Ekka netted twice to keep India in contention despite first-half goals from Guo Jiaxin, Ge Chen and Lu Tongtong.

China, however, took control after the break. Guo Jiaxin completed a hat-trick with two more goals, while Lu Tongtong added another to help China secure a 6-3 victory and deny India a positive result.

The ongoing championship also serves as the Asian qualifying event for the inaugural FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup, adding greater significance to every result in Muscat.