Junior Asia Cup: India Win Sixth Title

Junior Asia Cup glory returned to India as the Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team defeated Korea 4-1 in the gold medal match in Moqi, China, on 13 September 2026. The victory allowed India to successfully defend their title and win the continental championship for a record sixth time. India also secured qualification for the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup with the title win.

India Make a Fast Start

India entered the Junior Asia Cup final as the defending champions and began the match with strong attacking intent. The team immediately looked to put pressure on the Korean defence and created opportunities through penalty corners.

India earned their first penalty corner with just over seven minutes left in the opening quarter. Korea managed to clear the attempt, but India continued to attack and soon won another penalty corner.

This time, India converted the opportunity. Ajeet Yadav produced a deflection in the ninth minute to give India a 1-0 lead.

Captain Anmol Ekka Doubles the Lead

India did not reduce their attacking pressure after taking the lead. Another penalty corner arrived with just over two minutes remaining in the first quarter.

Captain Anmol Ekka stepped forward and successfully converted the chance in the 13th minute. His goal put India 2-0 ahead and gave the defending champions a strong advantage before the first break.

Korea earned a penalty corner late in the quarter and looked for a quick response. India’s defence remained organised and stopped the Korean side from reducing the deficit.

India finished the opening 15 minutes with a comfortable 2-0 lead.

Prabhdeep Singh Makes It 3-0

The second quarter continued in a similar fashion, with India controlling much of the play and creating pressure in the Korean half.

India added their third goal in the 21st minute when Prabhdeep Singh produced a fine finish. The goal increased India’s lead to 3-0 and put Korea in a difficult position.

Korea tried to find a way back into the match, but India’s defensive unit stayed compact. The Indian players limited Korea’s attacking space and protected their three-goal advantage.

At half-time, India held a commanding 3-0 lead.

Korea Hold India in the Third Quarter

The third quarter saw India continue to control the tempo. The Indian team created another major opportunity through a penalty corner with less than seven minutes remaining in the quarter.

The attempt, however, struck the crossbar and India missed the chance to extend their advantage.

Korea defended with greater determination during the remainder of the quarter. The Korean defence prevented India from adding another goal, but Korea still struggled to create enough attacking opportunities to seriously threaten India’s lead.

The score remained 3-0 going into the final quarter.

Ashu Maurya Extends India’s Lead

India started the final quarter with renewed attacking pressure and quickly earned another penalty corner.

Korea initially managed to defend against India’s attempts. A referral was then made following another penalty-corner situation. The referral did not go Korea’s way, allowing India to retain the opportunity.

India took advantage of the chance as Ashu Maurya scored in the 50th minute. His goal made it 4-0 and put the result almost beyond doubt.

Korea continued to fight despite the four-goal deficit.

Korea Score a Late Goal

Korea were awarded a penalty stroke after a foul, giving them an opportunity to get on the scoreboard.

Captain Lee Minhyeok converted the penalty stroke in the 54th minute, reducing the deficit to 4-1.

The Korean team continued to attack during the final minutes and earned another penalty corner in the last minute of the match.

Their final attempt struck the post before the ball went wide. India successfully defended the remaining moments and completed a convincing 4-1 victory.

India Become Six-Time Champions

The Junior Asia Cup title is India’s sixth in the history of the men’s competition. Before the 2026 triumph, India had won the tournament in 2004, 2008, 2015, 2023 and 2024.

The latest victory further strengthens India’s position as the most successful team in the history of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup.

India also became the defending champions to retain their continental crown, adding another major achievement to their junior men’s hockey record.

World Cup Qualification Secured

India’s Junior Asia Cup victory also secured a place at the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup.

The qualification gives India’s young players another opportunity to compete against leading junior hockey teams from around the world. The tournament will also provide international experience to players who are developing towards senior-level hockey.

The successful campaign in Moqi showed India’s ability to combine attacking quality with disciplined defence, particularly in the knockout stages.

Hockey India Announces Prize Money

Following the championship victory, Hockey India announced ₹3 lakh for each player of the Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team.

Each member of the support staff will receive ₹1.5 lakh in recognition of their contribution to the team’s successful campaign.

India’s 4-1 victory over Korea completed an impressive title defence in Moqi and gave the country its sixth Junior Asia Cup crown.