In the final match of the Junior Asia Cup 2023 held in Salalah, Oman, on Thursday, India defeated Pakistan with a score of 2-1.India’s Angad Bar Singh scored the first goal at the 13th minute, followed by another goal from Hundal just seven minutes later, giving India a two-goal lead.
Pakistan’s Ali Basharat scored a goal for his team in the 38th minute, assisted by his teammate Shahid Abdul.
Despite Pakistan’s strong performance in the second half and multiple attacks, they couldn’t break through India’s solid defense.
With this victory, India won the tournament title without losing any matches, while Pakistan’s only defeat came in the final.
Abdul Hannan Shahid from Pakistan received the Player of the Tournament award, and Abdul Rahman became the top scorer of the tournament.
It’s worth mentioning that India and Pakistan had previously met in the final of the tournament in 2015 in Malaysia, with India winning 6-2.
This win marks India’s fourth title at the Men’s Junior Asia Cup, having previously won in 2004, 2008, and 2015. Pakistan had won the tournament in 1988, 1992, and 1996.
However, it is important to note that the Pakistan junior hockey team faced difficulties during the Asia Cup in Oman as they did not receive their daily allowance. The players and officials were supposed to receive $100 per day, but due to a lack of funds, this arrangement was not fulfilled.
