India were crowned champions of the 2026 Men’s Junior Asia Cup after defeating Korea 4-1 in the Gold Medal match in Moqi, China, on Sunday. The victory saw the Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team successfully defend their title and claim a record sixth continental crown.
India, who entered the tournament as five-time champions and defending champions, produced a dominant display in the final to further cement their status as the most successful team in the history of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup. Their previous titles came in 2004, 2008, 2015, 2023 and 2024.
India made an aggressive start and quickly put Korea under pressure. They earned their first penalty corner with just over seven minutes remaining in the opening quarter, but Korea managed to clear the danger. India continued to push forward and won another penalty corner moments later.
The second opportunity resulted in the opening goal. Ajeet Yadav found the net through a deflection in the ninth minute to give India a 1-0 lead.
India maintained their attacking momentum and earned another penalty corner late in the first quarter. Captain Anmol Ekka converted in the 13th minute to double the advantage. Korea earned a penalty corner in the closing stages of the quarter, but India’s defence held firm as the champions went into the first break with a 2-0 lead.
The Indian attack continued to flourish in the second quarter. Prabhdeep Singh produced a superb finish in the 21st minute to make it 3-0 and put India firmly in control.
Korea struggled to break through India’s disciplined defensive structure, with the Indian side effectively controlling the tempo of the contest. India carried their three-goal advantage into half-time.
The third quarter proved to be more tightly contested. India continued to create opportunities and earned a penalty corner with just under seven minutes remaining, but the attempt struck the crossbar.
Despite continued pressure from India, Korea defended resolutely to keep the scoreline unchanged heading into the final quarter.
India resumed their attacking approach in the fourth quarter and soon earned another penalty corner. Korea initially kept out a series of attempts before India were awarded a re-awarded penalty corner following a referral. Korea’s referral was unsuccessful, allowing India to retain the opportunity.
India capitalised once again, with Ashu Maurya scoring in the 50th minute to extend the lead to 4-0.
Korea finally pulled a goal back in the 54th minute after being awarded a penalty stroke. Captain Lee Minhyeok made no mistake from the spot to reduce the deficit to 4-1.
The Korean side continued to search for another breakthrough and earned a penalty corner in the final minute. However, their flick struck the post before the rebound went wide, allowing India to close out the match and celebrate a convincing 4-1 victory.
The triumph marks India’s sixth Men’s Junior Asia Cup title, extending their record as the most successful side in the continental junior championship. The result also confirms India’s qualification for the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup.
Following the historic achievement, Hockey India announced a reward of Rs 3 lakh for each player and Rs 1.5 lakh for every member of the support staff.
India’s junior men thus ended their campaign in Moqi on the highest note, combining attacking quality, defensive discipline and consistency throughout the tournament to successfully retain their continental crown.
(Image: Asian Hockey Federation)
