India claimed a record sixth men's Junior Asia Cup crown and secured a World Cup berth with a 4-1 win over Korea in Moqi, China.
India successfully defended their men's Junior Asia Cup title with a 4-1 victory over Korea in the final in Moqi, China, on Sunday, securing a place in the World Cup.
The victory marks a record sixth continental crown for India—adding to their previous titles in 2004, 2008, 2015, 2023, and 2024—and further cements their standing as the most successful team in the tournament's history.
Ajeet Yadav gave India an early lead in the 9th minute by scoring through a deflection, and Captain Anmol Ekka doubled the advantage in the 13th minute. Korea earned a penalty corner late in the first quarter, but the Indian defence kept them out.
India extended their cushion in the 21st minute when Prabhdeep Singh produced a superb finish to make it 3-0, a scoreline they held through to the half-time break.
In the final quarter, India capitalized on a penalty corner opportunity as Ashu Maurya scored in the 50th minute to push the lead to 4-0. Korea managed a response in the 54th minute, with Captain Lee Minhyeok converting a penalty stroke following a foul.
Following the achievement, Hockey India announced prize money of ₹3 lakh for each player and ₹1.5 lakh for each member of the support staff.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Hockey. Photo courtesy The Hindu Hockey.