India champions for record sixth time at AHF Junior Asia Cup with 4-1 win over Korea

Defending champions India won the AHF Junior Asia Cup for a record sixth time with a 4-1 win over Korea in the final in Moqi, China, on Sunday.

India, who had entered the tournament as five-time champions and defending champions, produced a commanding performance in the final to add another chapter to their rich history in the competition. Their previous titles came in 2004, 2008, 2015, 2023 and 2024, and the latest triumph further strengthens their position as the most successful team in the history of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup.

https://x.com/TheHockeyIndia/status/2099149260445081793?s=20

India began the match with attacking intent and earned their first penalty corner with just over seven minutes remaining in the opening quarter. Korea managed to clear the opportunity, but India continued to press and won another penalty corner shortly afterwards.

This time, India made the opportunity count. Ajeet Yadav scored through a deflection in the 9th minute to put India 1-0 ahead.

India captain Anmol Ekka finishes the AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026 as the top scorer with a stunning 17 goals

India continued to apply pressure and earned another penalty corner with just over two minutes remaining in the opening quarter. Captain Anmol Ekka stepped up and converted the opportunity in the 13th minute to double India’s advantage.

Korea earned a penalty corner in the closing stages of the first quarter, but the Indian defence stood firm to keep the Korean attack at bay. India therefore ended the opening 15 minutes with a 2-0 lead.

India control the proceedings

India continued to control proceedings in the second quarter and added their third goal in the 21st minute. Prabhdeep Singh produced a superb finish to send the ball into the net and extend India’s lead to 3-0.

Korea looked to find a way back into the contest, but India’s defensive unit remained compact and disciplined. India went into the half-time break with a commanding 3-0 advantage.

Anmol Ekka brace powers India to Junior Asia Cup final with 3-1 victory over Malaysia

The third quarter saw India continue to dictate the tempo. The Indian side earned a penalty corner with just under seven minutes remaining in the quarter, but the attempt struck the crossbar.

India continued to press, but Korea defended resolutely throughout the third quarter and prevented the defending champions from adding to their lead.

India keep attacking Korea

India began the final quarter with the same attacking intent and earned a penalty corner. Korea initially did well to keep out a barrage of attempts on goal, before India were awarded a re-awarded penalty corner following a referral. Korea’s referral was unsuccessful, allowing India to retain the penalty corner.

India made the opportunity count as Ashu Maurya found the back of the net in the 50th minute to extend India’s lead to 4-0.

Korea were awarded a penalty stroke following a foul and Captain Lee Minhyeok converted from the spot in the 54th minute to pull one goal back for his side.

Vivek Lakra is named the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament after playing a key role in India’s title-winning campaign at the AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026

Korea continued to search for another opening and earned a penalty corner in the final minute. Their flick struck the post before the deflection went wide, allowing India to see out the remaining moments and complete a memorable 4-1 victory.

With the final whistle, India secured their sixth Men’s Junior Asia Cup title, successfully defending their crown and further strengthening their status as the most successful side in the history of the continental junior championship.

The triumph also confirms India’s qualification for the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup, adding another significant achievement to an impressive campaign in Moqi.

https://x.com/TheHockeyIndia/status/2099153707137171626?s=20

In recognition of the team’s outstanding achievement, Hockey India announced prize money of Rs 3 lakh for each player and Rs 1.5 lakh for each member of the support staff.

The Indian junior men’s team thus capped their campaign in Moqi with the continental title, showcasing consistency, resilience and attacking quality throughout the tournament before finishing their title defence on the highest note with a 4-1 victory over Korea in the gold medal match.