14‑0 Victory Propels India to Top of Pool A at AHF Junior Asia Cup

Moki, 5 September – The Indian junior men’s hockey team announced its intent to retain the AHF Junior Asia Cup title with a 14‑0 demolition of Indonesia on day one of the tournament.

Anmol Ekka, the team captain, recorded four goals, while Prabhdeep Singh topped the chart with five, earning the Player of the Match award. Ajit Yadav added three, and Harpal and Ashu Maury each contributed two.

The opening minutes set the tone: Prabhdeep struck in the fifth minute, and Harpal doubled the lead at eight minutes. India’s forward line repeatedly penetrated the Indonesian circle, forcing defensive errors and establishing a 2‑0 advantage by the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter saw Anmol convert a penalty stroke (16th minute) and Yadav add a goal four minutes later. Prabhdeep completed his hat‑trick with goals in the 26th and 30th minutes, taking the halftime score to 6‑0.

After the interval, Anmol’s set‑piece prowess shone, converting penalty‑corner chances at the 35th and 42nd minutes. A late third‑quarter goal from Prabhdeep pushed the tally to 9‑0.

The final quarter was a goal‑rich finale. Anmol’s fourth goal arrived in the 51st minute, followed by Prabhdeep’s fifth a minute later. Yadav’s brace in the 53rd minute completed his hat‑trick, and Maury sealed the scoreline with a penalty‑corner conversion at the 59th minute, finalising the 14‑0 result.

India’s goal distribution—nine field goals, four penalty‑corner conversions and one penalty stroke—highlighted a versatile attack. The win gave India three points, matching Japan and South Korea but leading the pool on goal difference.

Indonesia, coming off a 0‑9 loss to South Korea, now sit fifth in Pool A behind China Taipei.

The comprehensive victory underscores India’s depth, tactical discipline, and scoring variety as they aim to lift the AHF Junior Asia Cup trophy.